New Orleans Pelicans Avoid NBA's Worst Contracts List After Update
The New Orleans Pelicans have felt the weight of some of their contracts this offseason, but can at least see past the other side of them, keeping them from being among the worst in the league. Last result: Minnesota Timberwolves 132-126 New Orleans Pelicans (2026-04-13). CBS Sports' Sam Quinn recently put out an update to his list of the 15 worst contracts in the NBA. It was an update to an initial ranking that he put out a few months back. Previously, the Pelicans were on this list because of Dejounte Murray, who ranked at No. 8. Now, though, Murray has been moved off the list entirely and, in turn, New Orleans as a whole.
What happened?
Murray would probably be the pick as the worst contract left on the books because it has two years left on it. He's set to make $32.8 million this year and has a player option worth $30.8 million for next season, which he is obviously going to accept. The point guard is at a weird spot in his career. He is going into his age-30 season and hasn't had a full campaign in two years. His 24/25 campaign was cut short due to a torn Achilles, and then he didn't return until early 2026. He looked solid when he came back, but it was a small sample size.
Why it matters for New Orleans Pelicans
Now, two years after the trade that brought him to the Pelicans, he can put together a full season. The problem is that the team has now moved on to building up Jeremiah Fears as the future point guard for the franchise. Both are ball-dominant and could be leaders of this team, which could cause role confusion. Bottom line, though, it's fair to take him off this list as he will contribute this season and should still be playing good basketball. He might not even have the worst contract on the team.
What comes next?
Some would say Jordan Poole has the worst contract on the books at $34 million given his production last year, but it is at least an expiring deal. That could help New Orleans move him this offseason if they find the right move, or towards the trade deadline if teams start selling. Jordan Hawkins' $7 million player option isn't enough to make a list like this, but it has been very restrictive for the Pelicans this offseason, and he isn't in the plans, so that should also be in consideration for the title.
