The New Orleans Pelicans need depth at the wing, which is why they should trade Nicolo Melli.
The New Orleans Pelicans went into the offseason with a lot of needs, some of which have been addressed with the Jrue Holiday trade.
But after trades, the draft and free agency, the Pels still have some glaring holes that might require a trade to fix.
The Pelicans don’t really have a backup small forward behind Brandon Ingram, which is not good considering his health history and the fact that he is not a great defender.
The Pels biggest offseason need was arguably a big wing who can defend and they failed to address it. But could they trade to get one?
The Pelicans are loaded at guard with Lonzo Ball, Eric Bledsoe, JJ Redick, Josh Hart, Nickeil-Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis Jr., so it makes sense that they might trade from their surplus to get a wing.
But they also added Wenyen Gabriel, a big defensive-minded power forward who could make Nicolo Melli expendable. If the Pels could package Melli to get back a wing who can defend, it would help balance the roster without giving up any of their guard talent.
Here are four trades that could work.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trading Nicolo Melli to the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Pels might have to give up more than this to pry Finney-Smith away from Dallas, but he is the type of long wing they could use.
In this trade, Dallas gets a stretch-four to put next to Luka Doncic, and Melli is a nice complement to the bigs they already have. They also get a second-round pick (the Pels might have to throw in another one) and some future cap space, as Melli is an expiring deal.
Would the Mavs be interested in Melli plus a pick and some cap space? They just drafted Tyler Bey and if they think he is good enough to play, Finney-Smith could be available.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trading Nicolo Melli to the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Rockets have a lot of forwards and may not want another one in Melli, but what they might like are some extra picks and future cap space as they try to retool on the fly.
In this trade, the Rockets get another floor-spacer and two second-round picks. They would probably want a first-rounder and I think the Pels would consider it for House, who fits the profile of what they need. If the Pelicans had to move off one of their many first-round picks, they should consider it.
The Pels would be getting back a versatile and tenacious defender in House, who is still getting better and has improved his 3-point shooting. If the Rockets do blow things up, the Pels should be ready to pounce on House.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trading Nicolo Melli to the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were 24th in 3-point shooting last season, so would love to add anyone who can shoot. This one works as a straight up deal, as the Bulls would be clearing some future cap space.
In this trade, the Bulls give up on injury-plagued Hutchinson for a proven player in Melli. Melli also has one less year on his contract, so the Bulls would be clearing some future cap space.
For the Pelicans, they’d be taking a chance on a guy who hasn’t done much because of injury but who has the potential to be a plus-defender at multiple spots.
It would at least give them a backup for Brandon Ingram and someone who could be developed as a wing defender.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trading Nicolo Melli to the New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The Knicks were 27th in 3-point shooting last season, and even though they have 75 power forwards already, they could use more shooting and wouldn’t have to give up much to get it.
Ok, I know, MKG hasn’t played much and hasn’t been very good when he has. But when healthy, he is a dedicated defender who can guard multiple spots, including the wing.
The Knicks might have to throw in a sweetener here, but depending on MKG’s deal (if it is even guaranteed) the Pels could potentially open up a few million in cap space to help facilitate future moves or to add another veteran to the bench.
Trading Melli isn’t going to solve all of the Pelicans’ problems but they do need a wing and trading him might be the best way to get one.