This offseason has already been a busy one for the New Orleans Pelicans. The dismissal of Stan Van Gundy as head coach with Suns assistant coach Willie Green emerging as SVG’s replacement has kicked off what will be a telling time in New Orleans this summer.
As for free agency, with Lonzo Ball set to hit the market as a restricted free agent and an unlikeliness that New Orleans matches a ‘significant’ offer sheet, the Pelicans may be looking at a new starting point guard come 2021-22.
In comes Kyle Lowry.
Reported by Marc Stein, there’s some buzz that the Pelicans may throw their hat in the ring for Lowry’s services during free agency.
There is rising buzz New Orleans plans to enter the race for free agent-to-be Kyle Lowry, league sources say.
There will be several Lowry suitors but it's clear why the Pels, desperate to help Zion Williamson reach the playoffs, would want in.
More NBA: https://t.co/LGN9cV7Dif
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 19, 2021
With Ball possibly signing elsewhere, adding an All-Star veteran like Lowry would be huge benefit to such a young, unproven roster. Lowry’s leadership and championship experience would help him step in on day one and be the leading voice in the locker room alongside Willie Green.
Though on the latter half of his career and with a large contract looming, the Pelicans would have to acquire Lowry a via sign-and-trade with already hefty contracts in Brandon Ingram, Eric Bledsoe, and Steven Adams eating up a large portion of their cap space.
