The New Orleans Pelicans have expressed interest in adding Rajon Rondo or Reggie Jackson next to newly the re-signed Jrue Holiday.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been quiet since re-signing Jrue Holiday, finding themselves cap tied and unable to add any free agents. As the market continues to dry up, the Pelicans are hoping to add some contributors on the cheap. Two rumored names to come up have been Reggie Jackson and Rajon Rondo.
On the surface, it seems puzzling that the Pelicans would be looking to add a point guard after inking Holiday to a five-year, $126 million extension. However, last year the Pelicans began experimenting with Holiday at the shooting guard position. He is a bigger guard who can slide to the 2-guard spot without losing much on defense.
The two rumored players, Jackson and Rondo, each come with a number of question marks. Reggie Jackson has three years left on a five-year, $80 million contract and is coming off a campaign where he missed 30 games due to knee issues.
For a team that has been ravaged by injuries, adding another player with questionable health is a dangerous investment. Jackson is the younger of the two players, but is the higher risk due to the number of years and money on his contract.
Rajon Rondo, on the other hand, is a player that has seen his value plummet over the years. Rondo should come cheap with minimal long-term risk. Though with DeMarcus Cousins‘ impending free agency, New Orleans needs to strike all the right chords to ensure he re-signs with the Pelicans.
Rondo, of course, has a brief history of playing with Cousins due to their time in Sacramento. The duo was not the most successful on the court, but Rondo left an impression on Cousins, evidenced by this quote from Defpen.com when Rondo signed with the Bulls last offseason:
The Pelicans’ pursuit of a point guard has gone further with Rondo. Rondo may have been a Plan B in case the Reggie Jackson deal fell apart.
Can confirm Pelicans interest in Rajon Rondo. Trade talks stalling for Reggie Jackson. DeMarcus Cousins wants Rondo. https://t.co/IICcGUqqMi
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 13, 2017
The fit of Rondo is less clear than a player like Reggie Jackson. However, the risk is far less and still gives the Pelicans a chance to add another player via trade.
Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far
One thing that is for certain is whoever the Pelicans add will come with baggage. Bad contracts have crippled the flexibility of the roster now New Orleans must take a risk if they want to improve the talent around their core.