Editing New Orleans Pelicans (section)

===2019–present: the Zion Williamson era===
[[File:Zion Williamson 2020.jpg|thumb|[[Zion Williamson]] ]]
On April 17, 2019, the Pelicans named [[David Griffin (basketball)|David Griffin]] as the new executive vice president of basketball operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pelicans name David Griffin Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-name-david-griffin-executive-vice-president-basketball-operations |website=NBA.com |access-date=April 17, 2019 |date=April 17, 2019 |archive-date=April 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417174942/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-name-david-griffin-executive-vice-president-basketball-operations |url-status=live}}</ref> On May 19, 2019, the Pelicans named former [[Brooklyn Nets]] assistant general manager [[Trajan Langdon]] their newest general manager, replacing interim general manager [[Danny Ferry]].<ref name="Pelicans GM">{{cite web |title=Pelicans hire Trajan Langdon as General Manager |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-hire-trajan-langdon-general-manager |website=NBA.com |access-date=May 20, 2019 |date=May 19, 2019 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021143328/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-hire-trajan-langdon-general-manager |url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 20, 2019, the Pelicans selected [[Zion Williamson]] with the first overall pick.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mahoney|first=Brian|title=Pelicans select Zion Williamson with No. 1 pick in Draft|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2019/06/20/pelicans-take-zion-williamson-no-1-pick-draft|publisher=NBA Media Ventures, LLC|website=NBA.com|date=June 20, 2019|access-date=January 7, 2020|archive-date=May 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506213342/https://www.nba.com/article/2019/06/20/pelicans-take-zion-williamson-no-1-pick-draft|url-status=live}}</ref> The team also drafted [[Alen Smailagić]] and [[Jordan Bone]], both of whom were immediately traded to the [[Golden State Warriors]] and [[Atlanta Hawks]], respectively. The Pelicans then received [[Jaxson Hayes]], [[Nickeil Alexander-Walker]] and [[Marcos Louzada Silva]] from the Hawks. On July 1, the Pelicans announced that they signed Williamson to his [[NBA salary cap#Rookie scale salary|rookie-scale contract]].<ref>{{cite web|title=It's official: Zion Williamson signs rookie contract with the Pelicans|url=https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/article_757b74ac-9c43-11e9-af67-53f1a6e610c3.html|website=nola.com|access-date=July 15, 2019|date=July 1, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715191306/https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/article_757b74ac-9c43-11e9-af67-53f1a6e610c3.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Pelicans began the [[2019–20 NBA season|2019–20 season]] without Williamson as he had a knee surgery following an injury in the preseason.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27897494/zion-williamson-undergoes-knee-surgery-6-8-weeks |title=Zion Williamson undergoes knee surgery, out 6-8 weeks |website=ESPN |date=October 21, 2019 |access-date=October 23, 2019 |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022175213/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27897494/zion-williamson-undergoes-knee-surgery-6-8-weeks |url-status=live}}</ref> He made his debut on January 22, 2020, scoring 22 points in 18 minutes of play.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28548279/pelicans-zion-williamson-feeling-fine-debut-alvin-gentry-says |title=Pelicans' Zion Williamson feeling fine after debut, Alvin Gentry says |website=[[ESPN]] |date=January 23, 2020 |access-date=January 23, 2020 |archive-date=January 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124164836/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28548279/pelicans-zion-williamson-feeling-fine-debut-alvin-gentry-says |url-status=live}}</ref> On March 3, 2020, Williamson was named the [[NBA Rookie of the Month]] for the month of February. During the month, Williamson averaged 25.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steal a game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Zion Williamson named KIA NBA Western Conference rookie of the month for February|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/zion-williamson-named-kia-nba-western-conference-rookie-month-february|website=nba.com|access-date=June 24, 2020|date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111073746/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/zion-williamson-named-kia-nba-western-conference-rookie-month-february|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Brandon Ingram]] had a breakout season. On December 30, 2019, Ingram was named the [[Western Conference (NBA)|Western Conference]] Player of the Week for games played between December 23 to 29. During the week, Ingram averaged 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 54.2 percent from three-point range. Ingram helped the Pelicans to a 4–0 week as a result.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/brandon-ingram-named-western-conference-player-week |title=Brandon Ingram named the Western Conference Player of the Week |website=nba.com |date=December 30, 2019 |access-date=June 24, 2020 |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231132941/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/brandon-ingram-named-western-conference-player-week |url-status=live}}</ref> On January 16, 2020, Ingram recorded a career-high by scoring 49 points in a 138–132 overtime win against the [[Utah Jazz]]. Ingram gave the Pelicans a one-point lead with a fadeaway jumper with 0.2 seconds remaining in regulation. This was before [[Rudy Gobert]] was fouled and subsequently sent the game to overtime with a [[free throw]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.si.com/.amp/nba/2020/01/17/pelicans-brandon-ingram-career-high-points |title=Pelicans F Brandon Ingram Scores Career-High 49 Points in Win Over Jazz |website=si.com |date=January 16, 2020 |access-date=June 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804190047/https://www.si.com/.amp/nba/2020/01/17/pelicans-brandon-ingram-career-high-points |url-status=live}}</ref> Because of his breakout season, Ingram became an [[NBA All-Star]] for the first time in his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/brandon-ingram-named-reserve-2020-nba-all-star-game |title=Brandon Ingram named reserve for 2020 NBA All-Star Game |website=nba.com |date=January 30, 2020 |access-date=June 24, 2020 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626143349/https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/brandon-ingram-named-reserve-2020-nba-all-star-game |url-status=live}}</ref> Ingram also won the 2020 Most Improved Player award.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pelicans' Brandon Ingram named 2019-20 Kia Most Improved Player |url=https://www.nba.com/news/pelicansbrandon-ingram-2020-kia-most-improved-player |website=NBA.com |access-date=September 29, 2022 |date=August 31, 2020 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506121407/https://www.nba.com/news/pelicansbrandon-ingram-2020-kia-most-improved-player |url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the [[suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season]], the Pelicans were one of the 22 teams invited to the [[2020 NBA Bubble|NBA Bubble]] to participate in the final eight games of the regular season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NBA Board of Governors approves competitive format to restart 2019-20 season with 22 teams returning to play|url=https://www.nba.com/news/board-of-governors-approves-nba-return-official-release|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=www.nba.com|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022021825/https://www.nba.com/news/board-of-governors-approves-nba-return-official-release|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 9, 2020, the Pelicans were eliminated from postseason contention when the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] defeated the [[Philadelphia 76ers]].

In a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, the Pelicans landed 2015-16 Most Improved Player [[CJ McCollum]] as well as [[Larry Nance Jr.]] and [[Tony Snell (basketball)|Tony Snell]] in exchange for [[Josh Hart]], [[Nickeil Alexander-Walker]], [[Tomáš Satoranský]], [[Didi Louzada]], a protected 2022 first-round draft pick, the better of New Orleans' and Portland's 2026 second-round draft picks and New Orleans' 2027 second-round draft pick.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-08 |title=Blazers send McCollum to Pels in 7-player deal |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nba/story/_/id/33244215/sources-portland-trail-blazers-sending-cj-mccollum-new-orleans-pelicans-part-trade |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Despite Williamson missing the entire season with a right foot fracture,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2022 |title=NBA playoffs: Injury updates on Steph Curry, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis and more |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33579571/nba-playoffs-injury-updates-steph-curry-zion-williamson-anthony-davis-more |access-date=April 16, 2022 |website=ESPN |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416074807/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33579571/nba-playoffs-injury-updates-steph-curry-zion-williamson-anthony-davis-more |url-status=live}}</ref> the Pelicans finished the [[2021–22 NBA season]] with a 36–46 record, which earned them the ninth-place position in the Western Conference and a chance to make the playoffs through the [[NBA Play-In Tournament|play-in tournament.]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 16, 2022 |title=NBA Standings 2021-22 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/standings/_/season/2022 |access-date=April 16, 2022 |website=ESPN |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416074807/https://www.espn.com/nba/standings/_/season/2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 13, 2022, the Pelicans defeated the tenth-place [[San Antonio Spurs]] 113–103 at home in the first round of the play-in<ref>{{Cite web |last=Owens |first=Jason |date=April 14, 2022 |title=NBA play-in: CJ McCollum, Pelicans send Spurs, Gregg Popovich packing |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/cj-mc-collum-pelicans-send-gregg-popovichs-spurs-packing-041557340.html |access-date=April 16, 2022 |website=Yahoo! Sports |archive-date=April 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414235908/https://sports.yahoo.com/cj-mc-collum-pelicans-send-gregg-popovichs-spurs-packing-041557340.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and two days later defeated the eighth-place [[Los Angeles Clippers]] 105–101 on the road in the second round of the play-in<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maloney |first=Jack |date=April 16, 2022 |title=Clippers vs. Pelicans score, takeaways: Brandon Ingram leads New Orleans to win over L.A. to clinch No. 8 seed |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/clippers-vs-pelicans-score-takeaways-brandon-ingram-leads-new-orleans-to-win-over-l-a-to-clinch-no-8-seed/live/ |access-date=April 16, 2022 |website=CBS Sports |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416062054/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/clippers-vs-pelicans-score-takeaways-brandon-ingram-leads-new-orleans-to-win-over-l-a-to-clinch-no-8-seed/live/ |url-status=live}}</ref> to clinch the eighth seed and New Orleans' first playoff berth since 2018.

The Pelicans selected Dyson Daniels with the 8th overall pick in the 2022 draft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Photos: Dyson Daniels {{!}} Meet the Pelicans 2022 NBA Draft Picks |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/photos/dyson-daniels-pelicans-2022-nba-draft-picks |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> Zion would be selected for his second All-Star game despite only playing 29 games.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guillory |first=William |title=Zion Williamson says potential playoff return 'realistic' despite 'demoralizing' hamstring injury |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5440983/2024/04/24/zion-williamson-playoff-return-hamstring-injury/ |access-date=2024-09-12 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Other Pelicans players would also deal with injury but they would make the play-in for the second time in a row and would not advance to the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Play-In Tournament |url=https://www.nba.com/playoffs/2023/play-in-tournament |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=NBA.com}}</ref>

For the first time since his second season, [[Zion Williamson]] would stay healthy for a majority of the regular season, playing 70 games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zion Williamson {{!}} 2023-24 NBA Season in Review |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/zion-williamson-2023-2024-nba-season-in-review |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> 2022 draft second round pickup Herb Jones<ref>{{Cite web |title=Herbert Jones selected to participate in 2022 All-Star Clorox Rising Stars |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/herbert-jones-makes-rising-stars-2021-22 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> would make the All-Defensive First Team as the fourth Pelican to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA First-Team All-Defense honor puts Herb Jones in unique territory within New Orleans franchise history |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/herb-jones-nba-first-team-all-defense-honor-new-orleans-franchise-history |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> The Pelicans finished 49–33, just shy of 50 wins and advanced to the play-in for the third year in a row.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament|url=https://www.nba.com/playoffs/2024/play-in-tournament |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> Zion Williamson dropped 40 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a loss to the Lakers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lakers 110, Pelicans 106: Zion Williamson 40 points|url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/lakers-110-pelicans-106-zion-williamson-40-points-play-in-postgame-wrap |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=NBA.com}}</ref> In that game, Zion got injured, ending his season. Despite not having Williamson, the Pelicans beat the Kings and advanced to the playoffs where they would get swept by the [[Oklahoma City Thunder]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Playoffs: OKC Thunder Full Second Round Schedule Released |url=https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/news/okc-thunder-playoffs-mavericks-clippers-full-schedule-7 |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=SI.com |date=2024-05-03}}</ref>

====2024–present: Acquisition of Dejounte Murray and departure of Brandon Ingram====
In the 2024 off-season, a blockbuster trade sent 2022 All-Star [[Dejounte Murray]] to the Pelicans in exchange for 2022 lottery pick [[Dyson Daniels]] to the [[Atlanta Hawks]] along with [[Larry Nance Jr.]], [[E. J. Liddell|E.J Liddell]], [[Cody Zeller]] and some future draft picks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pelicans acquire Dejounte Murray |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/dejounte-murray-guard-new-orleans-pelicans-trade-atlanta-hawks-2024-nba-free-agency |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=NBA.com}}</ref>

On February 6, 2025, [[Brandon Ingram]] was traded to the [[Toronto Raptors]] in exchange for guard-forward [[Bruce Brown (basketball)|Bruce Brown]], center [[Kelly Olynyk]], a 2026 first-round draft pick (via Indiana) and a 2031 second-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/news/raptors-acquire-ingram-from-new-orleans|title=RAPTORS ACQUIRE INGRAM FROM NEW ORLEANS|work=NBA.com|date=February 6, 2025}}</ref> On March 10, NBA and Australia's [[National Basketball League (Australia)|National Basketball League]] (NBL) announced that in October 2025, the Pelicans would play two preseason games at [[Rod Laver Arena]] in [[Melbourne]] as part of the [[NBA x NBL: Melbourne Series]].<ref>{{cite web |title=New Orleans Pelicans to play two NBL teams in first NBA games in Australia this October |url=https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/2025-2026-nba-preseason-nbl-nba-games-australia-october-melbourne-united-south-east-melbourne-phoenix |website=NBA.com |access-date=March 23, 2025 |date=March 10, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pelicans to play NBL teams in Australia |url=https://nbl.com.au/news/pelicans-to-play-nbl-teams-in-australia |website=NBL.com.au |access-date=March 11, 2025 |language=en-AU |date=March 11, 2025}}</ref>