The NBA is not a level playing field. All franchises are not created equal. The New Orleans Pelicans operate with a much smaller checkbook and lack the natural advantages of market size, geographic location, or historical relevance to compete with many teams in the NBA.
New Orleans is the 51st largest television market in the United States, just below Memphis. The Pelicans play in the smallest market in the league; with that reality come both financial limitations and reasonable concerns over the long term viability of its existence. The only way to stay here in the Crescent City is to stay relevant, and that requires winning.