NBA Rumors: 3 Players that are likely to leave the New Orleans Pelicans this summer

After reaching the 2018 Western Conference semifinals, the New Orleans Pelicans looked to be heading in the right direction, although a miserable 18/19 season highlighted the task ahead for the franchise. The Pelicans were out of playoff contention by the turn of the year, and things got so bleak that Anthony Davis finally wanted out.

Yet, the Pelicans managed to somehow land the number one pick in the upcoming NBA draft, and Zion Williamson is set to become the new face of the franchise. The impending arrival of the most exciting teenager to emerge in more than a decade offers some hope to their fans, but the Pelicans are still likely to undergo major changes this offseason.

So, ahead of a summer of change, here are three individuals that look destined to leave.

#3 Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis continues to be linked with a trade away from New Orleans

Anthony Davis requested a trade ahead of the February trade deadline, although the Pelicans stood firm and refused multiple advances from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Davis has just one year remaining on his current contract, and the Pelicans can't afford to lose him for free next summer.

Lead executive David Griffin met with Davis earlier this week in an effort to convince the center to commit his future to the franchise, however, The Atheltic's Shams Charania is reporting that Davis is unlikely to change his stance:

While New Orleans Pelicans executive Vice President David Griffin and All-Star Anthony Davis‘ agent Rich Paul will continue discussions, it’s highly unlikely Davis‘ stance changes on trade, league sources tell The Athletic.

Davis has spent his entire career in New Orleans, although the 6-time All-Star has grown increasingly frustrated at the team's inability to compete. During the 18/19 season, Davis averaged 25.9 points and 12.0 rebounds per game, yet, the Pelicans missed out on the playoffs for the third time in five seasons.

#2 Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday's future in New Orleans will be impacted by Anthony Davis' desire to leave

David Griffin has spoken of his desire to retain Jrue Holiday this summer, although Bleacher Report's Dan Favale is suggesting that the Pelicans will be forced to trade Holiday if Anthony Davis exits the franchise:

His timeline doesn't align with that of a team rebuilding from scratch. The Pelicans don't have the asset base in place to cross their fingers for organic acceleration. They'll need to prioritize a win-now return in Davis talks to cobble together a core capable of rejoining the postseason picture in a year or two.

And attempting to tread water is virtually never the smart play when getting rid of a superstar. His contract will remain movable for its entire life, and the Pelicans don't play in a market that necessitates cap space.

Holiday has been with the Pelicans since 2013, and during the 18/19 season, the 28-year-old averaged career highs in points (21.2) and rebounds (5.0).

#1 Julius Randle

Julius Randle enjoyed a breakout year during the 18/19 season

Julius Randle signed with the Pelicans last summer after being renounced by the Los Angeles Lakers. Randle joined on a two-year, $18 million deal, although he has a player option for the upcoming 19-20 season.

This leaves the 24-year-old's future in New Orleans in doubt, and John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 is reporting that Randle and the Phoenix Suns are interested in joining forces this summer:

Have heard that Free Agent Power Forward Julius Randle has interest in the Phoenix Suns. And I fully expect the Suns to consider him as well.

Over the course of the 18-19 season, Randle made 73 appearances, averaging 21.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. It is believed that the Pelicans remain hopeful of keeping Randle on board for next season, although the big may be swayed by the chance to join the Suns' promising young core.