New Orleans Pelicans Rumors: Is proposed trade for Jrue Holiday enough?

New Orleans Pelicans: A trade with the Brooklyn Nets for Caris Levert

Why the Pelicans would do it

The Pelicans are not in a position where they have to make a trade, but if they want to balance their roster and get more depth, it might be the only way to do it.

Once they extend Brandon Ingram this offseason, the Pels will have little cap space left for free agents and realistically they need to add some quality roster depth if they want to compete.

If Derrick Favors walks the Pels would have only one center under contract, 20-year-old Jaxson Hayes, who is not ready to assume full-time duties.

They need some size and defense on the wing and possibly a backup point guard, which are going to be difficult to find without trading.

By trading Holiday to the Nets, the Pels would be filling two holes, as Jarrett Allen immediately becomes the starting center, while LeVert replaces Holiday at shooting guard.

The Pelicans could potentially run out a pretty big lineup of Lonzo Ball, LeVert, Ingram, Zion Williamson and Allen, which would be tall, versatile and very athletic.

They could also use the extra cap space they save to sign another impact free agent, someone with some size who can defend.

This trade would make the Pelicans younger without diminishing their chances to win now. It’s the type of trade that helps both teams but could potentially be a home run for the Pelicans if LeVert continues to get better.

Both teams would have to at least consider this proposal, as it could give them what they want, which for the Nets is a chance to win a title and for the Pelicans is to build a consistently good and deep roster around Zion and Ingram.