KEY POINTS

  • The Pelicans appear to be ready to move on from Lonzo Ball
  • Kyle Lowry is reported to be on the team's radar
  • Lowry is looking for a multi-year deal according to his agent

The New Orleans Pelicans are battling to keep their franchise star Zion Williamson happy as it has been reported in the past that his family has been dejected with the franchise’s direction thus far.

They have a long offseason to keep the family happy and prevent the worst from happening. They’re starting it off with a head coaching change once again.

The Pelicans’ upper management has fired Stan Van Gundy as head coach and Phoenix Suns assistant coach Willie Green has emerged as the favorite to take the job.

With regards to free agency, the team has Lonzo Ball set to hit the market as a restricted free agent.

There have been reports that say they will not be looking to match any significant offers for Ball as they look for a massive upgrade at point guard.

This is where the Toronto Raptors and Kyle Lowry come in.

Marc Stein reports that there is rising interest within the organization in bringing in Lowry to New Orleans to bring some stability to the point guard position this offseason.

Similar to what the Phoenix Suns did last offseason where they traded away young pieces and some picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder for All-Star Chris Paul, a move for Lowry will significantly benefit the Pelicans now.

Bringing in veteran leadership is exactly what the Pelicans need as they have a solid roster going into the offseason led by Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart.

The club traded away Jrue Holiday for Eric Bledsoe, and it’s clear that the latter is better suited off the bench rather than being a starter, making a move for Lowry the best-case scenario for them.

Rookie Kira Lewis Jr. will also benefit greatly from Lowry’s arrival as he learns how to navigate the thin line set for NBA point guards between scoring and making plays for the team.

The 35-year-old Lowry is looking into the twilight years of his career, but it’s his basketball IQ and championship experience that makes signing him such a priority for the Pelicans.

However, they will have to move one or two of their pieces as Ingram, Bledsoe and Steven Adams are taking a huge chunk of their cap space.

It’s expected that Ingram will be kept as he has been a big contributor for them, making Bledsoe and Adams expendable.

With Lowry looking for a multi-year deal as his potential final NBA contract according to his agent, the Pelicans will have to weigh their options well before making moves to sign Lowry.

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