Pelica Debrief
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Trade Options for New Orleans Pelicans Offseason: Part One

By Preston Ellis

Mar 3, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) walks with forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) as guard Jrue Holiday (11) looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. The Spurs defeated the Pelicans 101-98 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) walks with forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) as guard Jrue Holiday (11) looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. The Spurs defeated the Pelicans 101-98 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 16, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Malik Beasley (25) during the game against the against the Phoenix Suns at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Malik Beasley (25) during the game against the against the Phoenix Suns at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Malik Beasley

My love affair with Malik Beasley is spelled out in the second article I ever wrote for the Pelican Debrief.

The Nuggets are overflowing at shooting guard and it’s time for a hero to step in and save Malik Beasley from a future of neglect and uncertainty.

Beasley has the potential to be a Wesley Matthews type player. He has elite shooting mechanics, sensational athletic ability and the ability to slash and score at the rim. His ball handling, size and defensive IQ will be his most important learning curve. In college, he gambled on defense far too often, as he tried to force the highlight reel play. But his upside is undeniable. In fact, why am I even writing about him? Pick up the phone Dell!

January 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 2, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Should Tim Connelly and Mike Malone crush my soul, the Nuggets have another pair of shooting guards with scoring potential in Will Barton and Gary Harris.  With Jamal Murray set as the future of the position, it will not be long before the Nuggets find a new home for one of these players.

Will Barton is currently signed at $3.5 million per year through 2018. The Pelicans could recruit his services for the manageable price of a high second round pick and would then have the option to resign him.

Feb 11, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Likewise, Gary Harris has one year remaining on his deal, set at $1.8 million. In all likelihood, he will then become a very expensive Restricted Free Agent.

There’s not enough room on the roster for all of them. Without Nikola Jokic, Wilson Chandler, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Danillo Gallinari in need of the rock, someone will have to find another place to play basketball.

All three players could be absorbed into the Pelicans trade exception, for the cost of a high second round draft pick.

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