New Orleans Pelicans: Ranking the Top 4 Jrue Holiday trade rumors

New Orleans Pelicans trade rumors: Jrue Holiday to the Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks not only have a ton of cap space but are reportedly shopping the sixth pick in the NBA Draft.

This tells me that they are ready to win now, which makes sense, as they have some good young talent that could be propelled into the Eastern Conference playoffs if they add the right mix of veterans.

Atlanta has the cap space to absorb the Holiday contract without sending equivalent money back, which is why I like them as a trade partner for Holiday.

The first reason I like this trade more than the others is that it sends Holiday out of the Western Conference. Do the Pels really want to have to play Holiday several times a year or face him in the playoffs? Nope.

Also, this trade not only gives them two quality role players who fill needs, they get the 6th pick in the draft and open up some cap space that could lead to another impact free agent.

The Pels would clear about $12 million in cap space that they might be able to use on an impact free agent like Serge Ibaka.

Huerter’s shooting would potentially make J.J. Redick tradeable, and they might be able to move him to the Nets for someone like Taurean Prince.

With both the 6th and 13th picks the Pels could add two potential core pieces to their roster and end up with something like this:

PG: Lonzo Ball/Killian Hayes

SG: Josh Hart/ Kevin Huerter

SF: Brandon Ingram/ Taurean Prince

PF: Zion Williamson/Jalen Smith/Nicolo Melli

C: Serge Ibaka/Dewayne Dedmon/Jaxson Hayes

The Pels could go any number of directions with their picks but I just grabbed two guys who should be available.

This team is deep, versatile, much better defensively and has the size to go to war with the big squads in the Western Conference.

The best trade for the New Orleans Pelicans might not be with a contender, so David Griffin has to scour the league to find the best possible deal.