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What New Orleans Pelicans Moves Remain After Signing Jaron Pierre Jr.
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- What New Orleans Pelicans Moves Remain After Signing Jaron Pierre Jr.
(Winslow Townson-Imagn Images)
The New Orleans Pelicans recently signed their second round pick from the 2026 NBA draft, Jaron Pierre Jr. , to a two-way deal. That knocked down one of the final remaining dominoes of this offseason for the Pelicans, with only a few more things remaining.
It was up in the air whether New Orleans would sign Pierre to the active roster or give him a two-way, with open space on both sides, but ultimately they will give him more time to develop in the G League.
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Now, here are the remaining tasks for this offseason for the Pelicans:
1. Fill Final Roster Spot
Though it hasn't been the most active offseason in New Orleans, they still have just one spot on the roster that they need to fill. They're in a weird spot where it feels like they need to add a fair bit to be able to compete, but they don't have many open minutes.
This final spot on the open roster will likely be best used on either a three-and-D wing or a more physical center, like Kevon Looney who held this roster spot last season.
If the Pelicans have it their way, they'll probably make more than one movie, though, which will be discussed more later.
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2. Fill Final Two-Way Spot
With the signing of Pierre, New Orleans now has both he and Hunter Dickinson signed to two-way deals. Last year, Bryce McGowens filled that role before being promoted to a standard contract.
One of the obvious names for the Pelicans to consider is Kobe Bufkin , the former first round pick who dropped 30 points in this past Summer League. Bufkin is someone who could get picked up on a full-time deal somewhere else, though.
Seeing as New Orleans is already fairly deep in the front court, they could also try to use it on a forward. Malik Dia and Jalon Moore were the Summer Leaguers who stood out a couple of weeks ago.
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3. Make At Least One Trade
The Pelicans have two shooting guards making more money than the team would want to pay them, and both could still be moved this offseason: Jordan Poole and Jordan Hawkins .
Hawkins has been more connected to actually trade rumors, which makes sense because he's making just $7 million to the over $30 million that Poole is on the books for. Both are expiring deals, at least. Both could also still be complimentary talents for an NBA team, but things haven't really worked out in New Orleans.
There is a world where both players come back, though. In that scenario, ideally Jamahl Mosley's staff has a better idea of how to use them.
