TRAP: New Orleans Pelicans Must AVOID Anti-Tanking Mistake with Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray

New Orleans Pelicans risk falling into the NBA’s anti-tanking trap as new lottery rules threaten to undermine their long-term strategy. With the salary cap outlook unexpectedly promising, Jake Madison explores whether the front office can resist impulsive moves and instead prioritize the development of rising stars Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Should the Pelicans embrace a rebuild or keep chasing the playoffs with Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones at the core?   Key issues include Zion Williamson’s uncertain extension, the consequences of past contract decisions, and the search for a true starting center after Jonas Valančiūnas’ departure. Jake Madison questions if maintaining salary flexibility outweighs overpaying for veteran upgrades and examines the challenges of balancing two timelines. Can New Orleans set up its rookies for success, or will split priorities keep the franchise trapped in NBA mediocrity?   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/   Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba #NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans     Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.   Wayfair. Every style. Every home.     FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.     FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.