We’re roughly 48 hours from the start of NBA free agency and the path for the New Orleans Pelicans appears relatively straightforward. In order for the front office to make any changes to next season’s roster, a trade provides the best and most realistic pathway.
The Pelicans already have 14 guaranteed contracts for the upcoming 2022-23 season, as Tony Snell was the only player on an expiring deal from the previous campaign. Dyson Daniels, the first-round pick from last week’s draft, is all but officially inked to be the 15th.
While Karlo Matkovic, the 52nd selection of the draft, is going to be stashed in Europe for next season, whereby the Pelicans don’t have to sign him to a contract but will own his future rights (think Didi Louzada), E.