The Pelicans currently have 15 players on their roster, but the team doesn't intend to head into training camp with only those players under contract. GM Dell Demps tells Nakia Hogan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune that, while no major moves are expected, the Pelicans are eyeing additional players.
"I think we will probably add a couple of guys before camp," Demps said. "Coach [Monty] Williams and I, we talked about it…. We'll probably add more guys for training camp with the opportunity to make the team."
As I explained last week, NBA teams are permitted to carry up to 20 players during the offseason. However, the roster must be reduced to a maximum of 15 players by opening night. Although they have 15 players under contract, the Pelicans only have 13 players on guaranteed deals, which means camp invitees could compete for the 14th and 15th roster spots. Lance Thomas and Arinze Onuaku occupy those last two spots for now, but Thomas only has a small guarantee on his deal, while Onuaku's contract is fully non-guaranteed.
It's not clear yet exactly which players will join the Pelicans in camp, but the team has reportedly worked out or expressed interest in a number of players over the last few weeks, including Hamed Haddadi, Earl Barron, Josh Powell, Josh Childress, Reyshawn Terry, and James Nunnally.