New Orleans Pelicans: 5 Pels most likely to be traded before the deadline

New Orleans Pelicans: Could the Pels trade Jaxson Hayes?

Only as part of a package: Jaxson Hayes

Jaxson Hayes showed enough last year to get a solid chance to compete for rotation minutes but not enough to make him untouchable.

His athleticism is jaw-dropping, and if he can ever become a Hassan Whiteside-esque rim protector, he will have a long career in this league.

Any young team with a hole at center would be happy to have Jaxson Hayes as a project, as he is very young, raw and has shown athletic abillity that few centers possess.

Because of his very team-friendly contract, it would be difficult to get equal value in a trade, so if Hayes goes, it will likely be part of a bigger package to get a star or an estblished veteran.

If the Pels could turn a package of Hayes and a pick into a big wing or an adult power forward who can defend, then they would have to consider it.

He’s another guy who could find himself on the bench, especially early in the season when Stan Van Gundy might lean on veteran backup Willy Hernangomez more in the second unit.

Hayes may ultimately be one of the best trade chips the Pelicans have, and if they can package hiim for a player who better fits this roster, they will have to consider it.