It was a quiet offseason for the New Orleans Pelicans after they went 26-56 in 2025-26.
The team did make a coaching change, hiring former Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley in May, but made little difference-making transactions to a squad that has won fewer than 30 games for two consecutive seasons. Rising sophomores Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears showed promise, and 2019 No. 1 draft pick Zion Williamson played in over 60 games for just the third time since being drafted.
But there are still more questions than answers for New Orleans: What will Williamson's availability be in 2026-27? Can Queen and Fears continue making leaps? How can the Pelicans claw themselves out of the Western Conference's weakest tier with virtually the same roster?
ESPN's staff of experts is looking back at the offseason and taking an early look at the 2026-27 season for all 30 teams, with 30 pieces -- one for every team -- rolling out each weekday through Sept. 18. We're answering the biggest looming questions, evaluating X factors and much more for all 30 teams.
Let's dive into the Pelicans, who may not see returns on their quiet summer until the start of the season:
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Offseason at a glance
Key additions: None Key retentions: C DeAndre Jordan Key subtractions: F Kevon Looney
Despite capturing a combined 47 wins over the last two seasons under executive vice president Joe Dumars and general manager Troy Weaver, the Pelicans clearly believe that internal growth is the best path forward. Perhaps that justifies a near-silent summer in which the hiring of new coach Jamahl Mosley turned out to be the team's most notable move. Mosley becomes New Orleans' third coach since Dumars took the helm in April 2025. In addition to drafting Jaron Pierre Jr. in the second round, New Orleans signed just two new players over the summer in Kobe Bufkin and Hunter Dickinson, while bringing back 14 of the 15 players from last season's squad. -- Michael C. Wright
Zach Kram's offseason grade: D
Does New Orleans know it has been able to make moves over the past few weeks? The Pelicans seem content to run it back with the same roster that went 26-56, as their only transactions of the summer have been declining Kevon Looney's team option and re-signing veteran mentor DeAndre Jordan, who played just 12 games last season, to a two-year deal.