New Orleans Pelicans: 5 candidates to replace Dell Demps as GM

METAIRIE, LA - JULY 12: Dell Demps, general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans introduces Jrue Holiday, acquired in a trade on July 12, 2013 at the New Orleans Pelicans practice facility in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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3. Mike Zarren

The name that comes up every time an executive job opens up belongs to Mike Zarren. The right-hand man of Boston Celtics‘ president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, Zarren is an in-demand commodity and could likely take his pick of the general manager or president of basketball ops jobs.

That’s where the Pelicans may fall short in appealing to Zarren. While Thomas and Johnson’s candidacies may be flawed because the Pelicans are unlikely to be interested in them, Zarren is too much in demand. When the 76ers had an opening this summer, the job was Zarren’s for the taking. If he wasn’t interested in the Sixers’ talented young core and war chest of future assets, the Pelicans and their dubious post-Davis future are sure to be less appealing.

Another possible stumbling block to involving Zarren in the front office is that the Celtics are likely to be suitors for Davis’ services this summer. Making his first significant transaction with his former boss and wizard deal-maker is sure to be unappealing and a real no-win scenario for a first-time general manager.

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