THE New Orleans Pelicans There are lots of query marks surrounding the franchise getting into coaching camp this 12 months. With Monday’s Media Day, it was the primary time a few of the new gamers had been collectively.
The most important query is undoubtedly what the long run holds. Brandon Ingram. With out a long-term extension, his title will often seem in commerce rumors. He now not seems to suit the present core and a commerce can be higher for each side.
Sadly, its extension is just not the one one which we’re monitoring.
Because the calendar turns to October, we’re getting dangerously near the deadline for Trey Murphy’s rookie extension.
A primary-round decide within the 2021 NBA Draft out of Virginia, the gifted two-way winger is able to get away. However so long as Ingram stays within the fold, the projections will stay lukewarm since they are going to be taking part in the identical place.
The primary essential date to observe for Pelicans followers is October 21.
That is the final day Murphy and CJ McCollum are eligible for his or her extensions. The window for the veteran taking pictures guard to speak a couple of long-term deal opened on September 26.
On condition that the franchise has by no means paid the posh tax throughout its existence, it is onerous to think about McCollum getting an extension earlier than this deadline. Being 33 years outdated, with two years remaining on his contract and an undefined function for the 2024-25 marketing campaign, a brand new deal is unlikely.
One other date to observe is October 31. Halloween is the deadline to decide on the third-year group choice on Jordan Hawkins’ rookie contract.
The group’s first-round decide within the 2023 NBA Draft out of UConn has proven he has NBA taking pictures abilities. However the remainder of his recreation nonetheless wants time to develop.
Throughout the NBA 2K25 Summer season League 2024 in Las Vegas, Hawkins was tasked with being the group’s level guard. It was a disastrous expertise, however there’s nonetheless somebody who might help the group together with his taking pictures skill.
We’ll see New Orleans on the sector for the primary time this preseason on October 7 once they tackle the Magic of Orlando for his or her solely house match. The common season will start October 23 at house in opposition to Chicago Bulls earlier than a four-game street journey in opposition to the Portland Path Blazers And Warriors of the Golden State.
