With NBA training camp getting closer and closer the New Orleans Pelicans still are with an open roster spot. It appears the approach Joe Dumars wants to take is having multiple players on non guaranteed deals compete for that last spot. As of now the Pelicans have used three of their six training camp deals on Jaden Springer, Garrison Brooks and Jalen McDaniels.
The Pelicans are still able to offer up to three more Exhibit 10 contracts, but may have just missed out on a perfect target. With former top 10 pick [Cam Reddish](https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/09/cam-reddish-expected-to-sign-with-lithuanian-team.html) signing with BC Šiauliai, a team in Lithuania, it has shut the door on pretty much any possibility of him joining the Pelicans.
Despite being one of Reddish’s biggest fans throughout his collegiate career I'm not going to sit here and tell you he is the same guy he was coming out of Duke University. He isn’t that same blue chip prospect who looked like he may be the next Paul George and had this unreal untapped superstar potential. Which is probably the main reason he is going to play overseas instead of returning to the NBA next season.
However, what Reddish is at this point in his career is a wing with good size, athleticism, that can shoot and defend at a relatively high level. New Orleans has been in need of someone that can be a point of attack defender when Herb Jones is off the floor and while Saddiq Bey could step into that role, Reddish is a better fit for that role.
On top of that, his bond with Zion Williamson, dating back to their time playing together in college, would have boosted team chemistry. We see all the time in the NBA now that keeping your star happy is key, and bringing in Reddish would have obviously made Zion happy and more willing to remain loyal.
The door is still open a crack for Reddish to join New Orleans
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Initially reported by [BasketNews](https://basketnews.com/news-231063-cam-reddish-nearing-move-to-europe-after-six-years-in-the-nba.html), Reddish's contract will offer an exit clause for the 2025–26 season, allowing him to leave if opportunities in the NBA, EuroLeague, or other top-level competitions emerge.
This means very well if he balls out in Lithuania, that the Pelicans could come knocking and bring him over midway through next season.
However, if Reddish is playing at a high level overseas and is gaining NBA interest, who's to say he’s going to pick the Pelicans over any of the other 29 teams? New Orleans had a chance to snatch Reddish during this offseason when his market was completely dead, but now that opportunity is gone.