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Changes are coming in New Orleans. Entering this season, the Pelicans knew their current core was on the clock. The 2024-25 season was supposed to bring clarity to what the next phase of the Zion Williamson era looked like and what pieces fit with one of the NBA ’s most enigmatic stars.

The Pelicans have acquired talented, young role players to surround Williamson and Brandon Ingram since they arrived in New Orleans in 2019. But as these pieces grow more expensive, it becomes difficult to keep them together. It’s even more difficult to gauge their value when the stars aren’t there to make sure everything falls in place.



Advertisement That’s been the constant source of frustration with the Pelicans over the past six seasons. It seems to have reached a breaking point in recent weeks after a horrid 5-20 start and another extended stretch with Williamson and Ingram expected to be out indefinitely . Williamson has been sidelined with a left hamstring strain since Nov.

8, and his activity has remained limited since then. Ingram suffered a high-grade, low left ankle sprain on Saturday. The Pelicans have not provided a timeline for either player to return to the floor.

With those two sidelined for at least the next few weeks, the Pelicans are expected to make some moves ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline that’ll show how they plan to proceed into the future. At the very least, they’re expected to be active on the trade market to cut some salary and duck the luxury tax.

The toug.

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