The Pelicans are headed into the 2022 offseason with a full 15-man roster and just $2.2 million below the luxury tax. They will have access to the $10.3 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE) but will need to reduce payroll and generate a roster spot to utilize it. They have several non-starters that they could look to salary dump, or trade for players on smaller salaries. If they don’t prioritize using the MLE, they could attempt to make a consolidation trade. The Pelicans have one of the best draft picks-based trade packages set for the next available All-Star. They have all their own first-round picks to offer going forward, in addition to the Lakers 2022 first-round pick, an unprotected Lakers first-round pick in either 2024 or 2025, and an unprotected Bucks first-round picks in 2027.