As the 2025-26 NBA season draws to a close, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. It has been a season defined by a “snowball effect” of injuries and a mid-season coaching change, leaving the front office to stabilize a franchise that possesses one of the league’s most unique superstars and a blossoming core of young talent.
With the regular season concluding, the Pelicans’ focus has shifted toward a transformative offseason. Despite a difficult record, recent flashes of brilliance from their rookies have provided a much-needed silver lining.
The Coaching Carousel: Borrego Out, Ham In?
Following the dismissal of Willie Green earlier this season, James Borrego stepped into a “live audition” to implement his signature high-assist, pace-and-space offensive scheme. Borrego, the former Charlotte Hornets head coach, inherited a dismal 2–10 start and has worked to instill accountability in a locker room ravaged by health issues.
Despite the respect he has earned from the roster, sources familiar with the situation suggest the Pelicans are unlikely to remove his interim tag for the 2026-27 campaign. While Borrego could potentially return to an assistant role—a path he took previously with the Orlando Magic—the name echoing through the halls of the front office this summer is Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham.
Ham, who coached the Los Angeles Lakers to a Western Conference Finals appearance and an In-Season Tournament title, is viewed as a strong motivator.
During his time in LA, Ham marveled at the preparation of veteran greats, famously comparing LeBron James’ longevity to Michael Jordan.
“Yeah man, I think that the last person we’ve seen going this hard at this age consistently probably was Mike,” Ham told ScoopB.com.
“It’s amazing but not surprising to me because again, I see how he [LeBron] prepares every day… he just spends a lot of time to make sure he’s physically in peak form.”
Doubling Down on the “NBA’s Bo Jackson”
While the coaching seat is warm, Pelicans sources tell me that the team’s commitment to Zion Williamson is certain. The team, I’m told, is considering a two-to-three-year contract extension this summer worth between $30–$35 million per season. This potential move reinforces Zion’s status as the cornerstone of the organization, even though he is currently midway through a five-year extension signed in 2022.
By exploring this new agreement now, New Orleans appears ready to move past previous team protections and lock in their superstar with a more straightforward, long-term financial commitment.
James Borrego hasn’t held back on his praise for Williamson’s physical dominance, drawing a comparison to a multi-sport legend.“Speed, force, violence, downhill,” Borrego tells me of Williamson.
“I was watching an ESPN 30 For 30 on Bo Jackson, he was a phenomenal athlete… Powerful, strong, physical; if Z played football, he’d probably have that type of impact on the game.”
Roster Volatility: The Hunt for a Star Guard
The Pelicans were aggressive at the February trade deadline, engaging the Memphis Grizzlies in talks for Ja Morant. The proposed deal centered around Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray in exchange for Morant and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
While the deal didn’t cross the finish line, sources indicate the Pelicans will explore moving Poole again this summer and may explore moving Murray again as well. As for Morant, the All-Star was kept in the dark about the trade interest.
“Ja didn’t know who was coming at him until after the deadline,” a league source tells ScoopB.com. “It was painted as if nobody wanted him, but that wasn’t the reality… He wants to go somewhere he can prove his worth. Someone who actually wants him and where he can just play basketball.”
The Youth Movement: Fears and Queen
If the veteran backcourt is in flux, the future looks bright with the emergence of Jeremiah Fears. The Pelicans view the Oklahoma standout as their guard of the future. The 19-year-old recently put up a career night with 40 points, five rebounds, six assists, and three steals against the Utah Jazz.
Joining him in the “future” category is Derik Queen, who recorded 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists in a recent win over the Jazz. Queen is already looking toward his development, confirming that he and veteran teammate DeAndre Jordan will be training in Los Angeles this summer to refine his game.
Reflection and the Road Ahead
As the Pelicans head into the offseason, James Borrego remains focused on the progress made during a turbulent year.“Honoring the season, honoring the team, honoring the game, honoring these players, that’s really where my focus is today,” Borrego told ScoopB.com.
“There’s been a lot to this season; where we started feels like Australia was two years ago. It’s been a lot of highs and a lot of lows along the way, but I enjoy and love the journey with this group.”
Whether Borrego is there to see the next chapter or not, the Pelicans have the pieces—a “Bo Jackson” level superstar, high-upside rookies, and the trade assets to remain aggressive. The 2026 offseason may very well be the most consequential in franchise history.
