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Pelicans Hire Mosley to Five-Year Deal, Keep Zion

5/19/2026

Summary

Mosley Hired

The New Orleans Pelicans hired former Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley on a five-year contract.
Mosley, dismissed by the Magic on May 4, 2026 after a Game 7 loss to Detroit, ended a 189-221 record and three straight playoff trips.
He inherits a roster centered on Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray and Derik Queen, after New Orleans traded its 2025 first-round pick for Queen and now holds only the No. 58 pick following a 26-56 season.

Summary

Mosley Fired

The Magic fired Mosley after a seven-game loss to Detroit despite a 3-1 series lead and a 24-point Game 7 edge.
Dumars chose Mosley over Rajon Rondo, Steve Hetzel, Darvin Ham and Sean Sweeney, his third hire since becoming general manager.
Mosley, who began scouting for Denver in 2005 after playing abroad, spent seven seasons as Rick Carlisle’s top assistant with Dallas, overlapping Luka Doncic’s early years.

Summary

Pelicans Target Murphy

Pelicans front office is weighing a trade of swingman Trey Murphy III to recoup draft assets.
Executive Vice President Joe Dumars said the team will retain Zion Williamson while exploring other roster moves, despite rumors of a possible trade.
After trading away its 2026 first-rounder, New Orleans holds only the No. 58 pick and may seek additional selections via a Murphy deal to support Mike Mosley’s rebuilding plan.

History

Historical Context

The Orlando Magic joined the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1989 and took Shaquille O'Neal with the 1992 first-overall pick, recording 19 playoff trips in 37 seasons. Coaching changes—from Matt Guokas to Brian Hill and others—have been a hallmark, a trend that reappeared when Jamahl Mosley was fired after a 2026 Game 7 loss and hired by the New Orleans Pelicans to guide a Zion-centered rebuild.

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Mosley Hired

The New Orleans Pelicans hired former Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley on a five-year contract.
Mosley, dismissed by the Magic on May 4, 2026 after a Game 7 loss to Detroit, ended a 189-221 record and three straight playoff trips.
He inherits a roster centered on Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray and Derik Queen, after New Orleans traded its 2025 first-round pick for Queen and now holds only the No. 58 pick following a 26-56 season.

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