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After years marked by injury woes and underwhelming results, the New Orleans Pelicans have weathered sharp criticism for questionable front-office decisions that put their future draft assets at significant risk. Yet, behind the headlines and skepticism lies an opportunity to recalibrate the roster smartly and avoid another losing campaign. To move from rebuilding pains toward lasting contention, the Pelicans must supplement their promising young core with seasoned, versatile players who fit their long-term vision. As the dust settles, a key acquisition could signal their transition from a franchise in flux to one with clear purpose and promise.
Gambles, Trades, and Questionable Decisions
The Pelicans’ 2025 offseason has generated shockwaves far beyond New Orleans. Their audacious trade to move up from the No. 23 pick to No. 13 in the draft stunned the NBA landscape. Hawks executives were reportedly incredulous. They repeatedly confirmed the unprotected pick's involvement before accepting. Many fans and analysts viewed this as a high-risk move that strips the Pelicans of a valuable safety net in what remains a fragile rebuilding project.
Many expected them to select Derik Queen at No. 7 while keeping next year’s unprotected pick or negotiating protections. However, the Pelicans chose recklessness over caution. Considering their dismal 21-win season plagued by injuries to stars like Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray, taking this gamble without a robust fallback plan seems shortsighted. If injuries persist or the franchise struggles, that first-round pick could land dangerously high in 2026. It's a heavy price for moving up just ten spots.
Under new top executive Joe Dumars, the team has transformed into the subject of ridicule. Yet, the Pelicans have supplemented their roster volatility by acquiring Jeremiah Fears at No. 7 and then eventially picking Queen at 13. They do bring a bit of upside on both ends. They also swapped CJ McCollum for Jordan Poole, hoping for a spark. That said, the larger narrative remains a cautionary tale of front-office overreach that needs to balance boldness with measured asset management to avoid long-term consequences.
Here we will look at and discuss the perfect move that the New Orleans Pelicans must still make in the 2025 NBA offseason.
Why Amir Coffey Fits New Orleans’ Roster and Culture
Coffey, 28, is entering what should be the prime of his career after his best season with the Los Angeles Clippers. When Paul George missed time, Coffey stepped up admirably. He averaged a career-high 9.7 points and 24.3 minutes per game while shooting an impressive 40.9 percent from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor with reliable three-point shooting and defend multiple positions makes him an ideal fit for the Pelicans. They desperately need wing versatility and floor spacing.
Standing 6'7″, Coffey’s size and length give him defensive flexibility matching up anywhere from shooting guard to small forward. Offensively, he isn’t a primary playmaker. However, he excels as a catch-and-shoot threat and effectively attacks closeouts to create pull-up jumpers. That's a skill set in high demand in today’s spacing-focused NBA. His 42.1 percent conversion rate on catch-and-shoot attempts highlights his efficiency as a spot-up scorer. That's a valuable asset for New Orleans’ young core looking for reliable secondary scoring options.
A Smart, Plug-and-Play Solution
The Pelicans need players who understand their roles and can deliver consistent production without extensive adjustment periods. That's what Coffey does. He thrives when given steady minutes and clear responsibilities. That makes him a seamless addition who can step into a starting or key bench role immediately.
Unlike players past their peak or long-term projects still years away, Coffey brings a dependable blend of defense, shooting, and basketball IQ right now. This mid-level veteran addition can complement Murray’s playmaking and Moses Moody’s defensive prowess. Coffey can also spread the floor for Williamson to operate inside.
With financial flexibility still a concern after recent trades, Coffey’s likely reasonable salary demands make him attainable. His presence would balance New Orleans' roster and mitigate the risks associated with their draft pick gamble. Acquiring Coffey could also enhance their playoff chances in 2025-26.
Why This Move Could Define the Pelicans’ 2025 and Beyond
New Orleans’ aggressive draft-day moves and roster churn have left fans and pundits skeptical, raising the stakes on every decision. Acquiring Amir Coffey offers a path to stabilize the team organically through complementary veteran talent rather than high-risk gambles.
This move sends a message that the Pelicans are committed to incremental, sustainable growth and smart role-player acquisitions. Coffey’s versatility and shooting inject much-needed spacing and defense at the wings.
Looking Ahead
The front office under Dumars needs a win now to regain trust. Signing Coffey shows a willingness to learn from past missteps and pursue a formula that has worked for up-and-coming teams around the league.
If the Pelicans successfully integrate Coffey alongside their promising young talent and keep long-term assets intact, they’ll position themselves for a rebound season. It could be one where patient development meets tactical savvy. Otherwise, the gamble on unprotected picks and risky trades may haunt them even longer. With a controversial offseason behind them and key questions still unanswered, New Orleans’ perfect 2025 NBA offseason move may yet surprise the doubters.
