Western Conference · Southwest Division
New Orleans · Smoothie King Center · Founded in 2002 · No NBA titles
The franchise
Head coach
Jamahl Mosley since 2026
Five seasons in Orlando, where he went from 22 to 47 wins with a clearly defensive identity; replaces Willie Green and interim coach James Borrego.
Assistants
What the franchise says and what its moves show
After a 26-56 season, the Pelicans are betting on a culture change with Mosley: defense first, high standards and accountability. Dumars has publicly challenged Zion Williamson to take responsibility for his talent. The club remains caught between timelines, with veterans (Zion, Dejounte Murray, Poole) and second-year players Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, and local media note that the direction of the project is still unclear.
Building around
Zion Williamson Jeremiah Fears Derik Queen
What they have said
He told Zion that greatness comes with responsibility and called for a demanding, accountable and honest team.
Joe Dumars, head of basketball operations · Pelicans Media Day (Audacy WWL / Sports Illustrated) · September 2026He promises that no opponent will outwork his team.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley · NBA.com · May 2026What the data points to
Summer 2026
Latest
15 NBA contracts · 2026-27 salaries
| Player | Age | Salary | Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starters | |||
| Dejounte Murray G | 30 | 32.8 M | 2027-28 |
| Trey Murphy III F | 26 | 27.0 M | 2028-29 |
| Herbert Jones F | 28 | 14.9 M | 2029-30 |
| Zion Williamson F | 26 | 42.2 M | 2027-28 |
| Yves Missi C | 22 | 3.5 M | 2027-28 |
| Rotation | |||
| Saddiq Bey G | 27 | 6.4 M | 2029-30 |
| Bennedict Mathurin G | 24 | 7.8 M | 2027-28 |
| Jeremiah Fears G | 20 | 7.9 M | 2028-29 |
| Derik Queen C | 21 | 5.4 M | 2028-29 |
| Karlo Matkovic F | 25 | 2.3 M | 2026-27 |
| The rest | |||
| Jordan Poole G Pricey but short | 27 | 34.0 M | 2026-27 |
| DeAndre Jordan C | 38 | 3.9 M | 2027-28 |
| Jaron Pierre Jr. G | 24 | – | – |
| Bryce McGowens G | 23 | 2.6 M | 2027-28 |
| Trendon Watford F | 25 | 2.4 M | 2026-27 |
| Malik Dia F | 22 | – | – |
| Julian Reese F | 23 | – | – |
| AJ Johnson G | 21 | 3.2 M | 2027-28 |
The analysis, with data
Strengths
Weaknesses
Today's roster, facet by facet (league rank)
| Offensive ratingpoints per 100 possessions | 115.2 | 21st |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive ratingpoints allowed per 100 possessions | 119.9 | 25th |
| Net ratingper 100 possessions | -4.6 | 21st |
| Pacepossessions per game | 99.6 | 11th |
| Three-point volumeof its shots are threes | 35.5 % | 26th |
| Three-point accuracyfrom three | 34.7 % | 24th |
| Offensive reboundingof its misses rebounded | 27.0 % | 8th |
| Defensive reboundingof opponent misses rebounded | 71.4 % | 28th |
| Ball securityturnovers per 100 possessions | 13.4 | 11th |
| Ball movementof its baskets are assisted | 59.6 % | 26th |
Expiring this season
With an option next summer
Bargains (produce far above their salary, for several years)
None.
Pricey but short (paid more than they produce, but ending soon)
Payroll 199.0 M Cap 165.0 M Tax 200.4 M 1st apron 209.0 M 2nd apron 221.7 M
Who could ask about its players
A trade that works under the CBA
NOP gets
CLE gets
Trade pieces
Your turn
Send us your take: a trade, an extension or the team's direction. The best ones make it onto the podcast.
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Players it sends
First-round picks
Players it sends
First-round picks
Can it be done? The CBA
The GMs' verdict
