Pelicans Send Message to Departing Executive

Pelicans Send Message to Departing Executive originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Bryson Graham's 15-year tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans came to a close this week, as the longtime executive accepted a new role with the Atlanta Hawks.
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Graham, who was promoted to general manager in June 2024, departs after just one season in the position. His exit follows a 21–61 campaign that saw the Pelicans finish with the third-worst record in the NBA and miss the playoffs for the second straight year.
Bryson Graham at New Orleans Pelicans Media Day© Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Injuries to Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Dejounte Murray derailed New Orleans' season early. Williamson appeared in just 31 games, while Ingram was traded to Toronto at the deadline.
'Thank you for everything you did for the organization for the past 15 years, Bryson 👏,' the team posted, marking a public farewell to one of the franchise's longest-serving voices.
Despite the setbacks, Graham's front office was credited with identifying and developing key rotation players, including Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III and rookie Yves Missi. He also played a role in drafting Dyson Daniels, who was later traded to Atlanta and earned All-Defensive First Team honors this season.
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Graham now joins the Hawks as senior vice president of basketball operations, reporting to newly promoted general manager Onsi Saleh. The move signals Atlanta's intent to reshape its front office following the dismissal of Landry Fields in April.
Graham's scouting background and track record with undervalued talent could prove valuable as the Hawks prepare for the draft and weigh roster changes after a second straight play-in exit.
For New Orleans, the transition will continue with Joe Dumars, hired in April as president of basketball operations, who will now oversee the next phase of the franchise's rebuild.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.

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