The New Orleans Pelicans, sitting at 26–54 and 11th in the Western Conference standings, are heading toward an offseason and Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reports that the franchise is headed for a major reset after a season shaped by a “snowball effect” of injuries and a mid-season coaching change. The Pelicans are out of the playoff race, but Robinson’s reporting suggests the bigger battle is now organizational direction.
Willie Green’s dismissal pushed James Borrego into the interim role, and Robinson described the opportunity as a “live audition” for a coach trying to install a pace-and-space identity in a damaged roster. Even so, Robinson reported that Borrego is unlikely to have the interim tag removed for 2026-27, with Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham emerging as a name to watch.
The biggest franchise decision still points back to Zion Williamson, and Robinson reported that the team’s commitment to its star is “certain.” He wrote that New Orleans is considering a two- to three-year extension worth roughly $30 million to $35 million per season, a move that would tighten the team’s long-term financial plan around its most unique scorer.
The roster picture is also shifting around the backcourt, where Robinson reported that the Pelicans explored a Ja Morant deal at the February deadline and may revisit movement on Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray this summer. A league source told him, “Ja didn’t know who was coming at him until after the deadline,” while another added, “He wants to go somewhere he can prove his worth. Someone who actually wants him and where he can just play basketball.”
Even with the turmoil, New Orleans has reasons to build around its youth. Jeremiah Fears posted a career night with 40 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals against Utah, while Derik Queen added 17 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in a recent win over the Jazz.
