New Orleans Pelicans: Ranking the top 5 hypothetical NBA Draft trades

New Orleans Pelicans: NBA Draft trade with the Golden State Warriors

Trading up for #2

There are a lot of Pelicans’ fans who like the idea of trading up to get LaMelo Ball. Even though I’m not exactly sure of the basketball fit, I am all in, as it would make the Pelicans the epicenter of the NBA media-wise and give them one of the most entertaining teams in the NBA.

They would likely have to trade up to the #2 spot to get him, and even that is not a guarantee, as the Timberwolves may like the idea of putting a pass-first point guard with all of their scorers.

But the Pelicans’ front office aren’t armchair fans and may have much different ideas of how they would use that pick if they did decide to trade with the Warriors.

Initially, this seems like a pretty fair deal for both teams. The Warriors get another proven veteran to put with their Big Three and the Pelicans get a young wing and the second pick in the draft, which they can use on LaMelo, Wiseman or whoever else they like.

Wiggins has not yet hit his ceiling but he is still a 20-point per game scorer and is only 25-years-old, so while his contract is a risk, it is one that could pay off, especially if he improves defensively.

The Pelicans could then take LaMelo or Wiseman and instantly have the most young talent in the NBA. They’d have five lottery picks to build around in Zion, Lonzo, Brandon Ingram and the two picks.

If the Pelicans are going to move on from Jrue Holiday, this is how they should do it, as they could end up with this roster:

PG: Lonzo Ball/LaMelo Ball

SG: Andrew Wiggins/J.J. Redick/Josh Hart

SF: Brandon Ingram/Saddiq Bey

PF: Zion Williamson/Nicolo Melli

C: Jaxson Hayes

This roster has a lot more depth, length and versatility on defense and could be even better defensively if they took Wiseman instead of LaMelo.

It would give the Pelicans a ton of young talent, all on the same timeline and they’d be a veteran center away from a balanced roster.

The New Orleans Pelicans may just take their 13th pick, but if they want to tweak their roster with a small trade or make a huge splash, the options will be there.