Pelicans Tender Norris Cole & Jeff Withey Qualifying Offers, Making Both RFAs

The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly make qualifying offers to guard Norris Cole and center Jeff Withey, making both restricted free agents, signaling a bigger offseason plan.

This news comes as no surprise, as the expected offseason plan is for the Pelicans to attempt to operate above the cap by resigning center Omer Asik with his cap hold, tendering Cole and Withey, and leaving room for a MLE (mid level exception) signing as well.

Cole came to New Orleans in February as part of a three team trade involving Miami and Phoenix. Including the postseason, Cole played in 32 games for the Pelicans, providing playoff experience, bench scoring, and a steady presence as the team worked their way into the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Withey just finished his second season with the Pelicans, joining New Orleans as a rookie second round draft pick. Playing in 58 games his rookie season, Withey's playing time took a step back last season, seeing time in 37 games. On the rare occasion the team was healthy, Withey was the healthy inactive on game days.

However, under new head coach Alvin Gentry's offense, Withey's opportunity in a more fast paced could provide him more playing time, as evidenced by the team's decision to attempt to bring him back next season.