NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the New Orleans Pelicans

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 31: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket while guarded by Kadeem Allen #45 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on March 31, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – APRIL 9: Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets drives on Jusuf Nurkic (27) of the Portland Trail Blazers and CJ McCollum (3) during the first half on Monday, April 9, 2018. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

4. Will Barton

Adding a player like Will Barton or Rodney Hood would ease some of the perimeter weight off Holiday’s shoulders. Adding either probably means Cousins possesses a new work address, and the money set aside for the big man is now being put to other uses.

Hood is probably the more expensive option, so signing Barton is more ideal. The team could possibly land Barton on the midlevel exception, but more likely would be a deal in the range of either two years for $24 million or four years for $50 million. He is also a player who would fit comfortably with the team as a starter or coming off the bench. He would be a spark plug and possibly the team’s fourth best offensive weapon (maybe even the third best if Cousins is absent).

(Note: That last sentence is a tightrope between optimism and pessimism. It sounds like a huge compliment toward Barton and the Pelicans’ potential, but it also could mean they’re no closer to the Warriors or even the Rockets.)

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