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Mavs: A Review of the Southwest Division Teams’ Free Agency Moves

By Avery Klatsky

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 14: J.J. Barea #5 of the Dallas Mavericks and Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 14, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 14: J.J. Barea #5 of the Dallas Mavericks and Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 14, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 27: DeMarre Carroll #9 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball over Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on December 27, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 27: DeMarre Carroll #9 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball over Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on December 27, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have done less than Houston has in free agency. However, they did finish second in the Southwest division last season. They were the only team in the Southwest division and the Western Conference to sweep a team in the playoffs, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the first round.

Despite their success, they were knocked out of the postseason in the second round by the Golden State Warriors, who won in 5 games. The Warriors later went on to beat Houston 4-3 in the Western Conference Finals and ended up sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Championship.

Additions/Re-Signings:

  • Julius Randle, PF

Former Lakers’ power forward Julius Randle signed a two-year deal with the Pelicans worth $18 million.

Randle, who had spent his whole NBA career in the Pacific division with Los Angeles, will be joining All-Star center Anthony Davis in the Southwest, which has easier competition.

Julius was healthy the entire season in 2017 and played in all 82 regular season games. He played for approximately 26.7 MPG and scored 16.1 PPG. Along with that, he added 8 RPG and 2.6 APG.

Randle, who attended of Prestonwood Christian Academy in Carrollton, Texas, will now play against the Mavericks more this year than he did with the Lakers in prior seasons.

  • Elfrid Payton, PG

Elfrid Payton, a New Orleans native, signed a one-year deal with the Pelicans.

Last season with the Phoenix Suns, he averaged 11.8 points and 6.2 assists in just 19 games. He also shot a field goal percentage of 43.5.

  • Kenrich Williams and Garlon Green, F

New Orleans added Kenrich Williams and Garlon Green, both 6-foot-7 forwards from TCU. They will compete in training camp to secure a roster spot before the season starts.

Green and Williams both played in the summer league (Green with the Pelicans, Williams with the Denver Nuggets) and will look to make the Pelicans’ roster

  • Ian Clark, SG

Shooting guard Ian Clark signed a one-year deal worth $1.6 million with the Pelicans and will be moving from the Pacific Division to the Southwest. Clark won the NBA Championship with the Golden State Warriors last season. Last season, Clark averaged 7 points per game.

Losses:

  • C DeMarcus Cousins – Golden State Warriors – One-year, $5.3 million
  • Rajon Rondo – Los Angeles Lakers – One-year, $9 million
  • SG Jordan Crawford – Free agent
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