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The New Orleans Pelicans are bound to be active in this year's offseason, already making a blockbuster trade. It's clear the team is looking to put better talent alongside stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
New Orleans started this by making a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. They traded away Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, the 10th and 4oth picks in the draft, and a 2022 protected first-round pick via the Los Angeles Lakers for Jonas Valanciunas and the 17th and 51st picks in the draft. This move is just the start of an eventful offseason for the Pelicans.
One player that makes a ton of sense to bring in is guard Kyle Lowry. Here are three reasons the Pelicans need to sign the Toronto Raptors veteran in free agency.
The Pelicans appear to have their trade that will create the needed salary-cap space to make the free-agent run at Toronto's Kyle Lowry we've been discussing since last week. https://t.co/2nkSg6sxbk
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 26, 2021
3. Kyle Lowry Has playoff experience
A key factor in signing Lowry is adding someone to the team with playoff experience. They have a young core that needs veteran leadership, and Lowry provides that. He won a championship with the Toronto Raptors back in 2019 and was vital through their postseason run.
While Lowry is a fantastic player, a big portion of his value would be the mentorship he could provide for the young core. This could be similar to what Chris Paul brought to the young nucleus of the Phoenix Suns this 2020-21.
2. Lowry is a great fit
Kyle Lowry is a great fit with the Pelicans and will instantly elevate their team. With impending free agent Lonzo Ball likely leaving the team, the Pels need to work on bringing in a replacement.
The 35-year-old can defend at a high level while also being a great offensive player. Last season, he averaged 17.2 points per game along with 5.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists. He also has the ability to bank the 3-ball since he shot 39.6 percent from there last season. Lowry is a six-time All-Star that would make a big impact on the Pelicans.
1. It can keep Ingram and Zion happy
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram's happiness are of utmost importance to the organization. Bringing in a great player like Lowry would show the commitment the Pelicans have to compete.
Ingram is rumored to be interested in joining the Miami Heat, so the Pelicans need to act now to keep him happy. He is an elite talent and a big part of the young core. A one-time All-Star, Ingram averaged 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game in 2020-21 while recording efficient shooting splits.
Zion, on the other hand, has been reported to be unhappy with the organization. With that said, if things continue the way they are now, he could follow Anthony Davis' footsteps and request a trade. They were both number 1 overall picks by the team and never had a championship team surrounding them. The year after Davis was traded, he won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Bringing in a player like Lowry is a move that could keep these stars happy. The trade earlier for Valanciunas helps, but this trade could make them a playoff team.
The Pelicans will have a busy offseason, and all the decisions will be vital for the future of the franchise. They have a shot at being a contender within the next few seasons if they make the right moves.
If the Pelicans make a run for Lowry, they should be contending for a playoff spot next season.
