Adams, 27, has one year remaining on his initial four-year contract before he becomes a free agent at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season.
When finalised, Adams' departure from Oklahoma City would see him exit in 10th all-time in games played for the franchise, second in offensive rebounds, seventh in total rebounds, fifth in blocks and first in field goal percentage.
Thunder fans have reacted to his potential departure.
A video shared by sports reporter Dylan Buckingham showed what playing in Oklahoma, one of the smallest markets in the NBA, means to the Kiwi while other media members added their takes on the planned move.
The Pelicans have the required cap space to include Adams' sizeable contract on their books for the season ahead, though could still look to trade him to another interested party. However, as things stand, Adams would likely link up with rising sensation and 2019 No 1 draft pick Zion Williamson in the Pelicans' starting frontcourt.
New Orleans has had a New Zealand influence in their team before, with Sean Marks playing 79 games over two seasons from 2008-2010, when the franchise was known as the New Orleans Hornets. New Zealand Breakers guard Corey Webster also spent pre-season with the squad in 2015.
