Pelicans News: Trade Rumors and Zion Williamson’s Stellar Performance

The New Orleans Pelicans news is loaded with trade rumors and thoughts on the young team’s striking preseason performance

The New Orleans Pelicans are certainly picking up a lot of steam in the NBA news cycle, which might seem a little bit crazy to some fans.

Not only are the Pelicans picking up steam in the NBA rumor mill, but they’re also making waves thanks to a stunning preseason win over the Miami Heat. It’s certainly refreshing to see given that the team is in one of the smallest markets in the NBA.

On the rumors side of things, the Pelicans are always in trade talk thanks to their bevy of future assets. The organization is looking to win now, and that’s led to some interesting conversations about pursuing a James Harden trade.

However, since this is a top-heavy team, many trade rumors are focused on rotational players as well. That includes looking at someone like Robert Williams III from Boston.

Looking at some more general coverage, a lot of focus is on the New Orleans Pelicans’ performance and their rotation entering the season. Most media outlets thought Zion Williamson looked reinvigorated and healthy while Brandon Ingram showcased his lethal scoring.

The usage of Nickeil Alexander-Walker in Monday night’s game was interesting and even led some people to wonder if Kira Lewis Jr. will start his career in the G-League. All of this news about the preseason even got to include a look at how Giannis Antetokunmpo’s supermax deal affects the draft picks the organization acquired in the Jrue Holiday trade.

So that’s a quick look at the team’s standing, now it’s time to hit the links!

New Orleans Pelicans News and Notes From Around FanSided

The New Orleans Pelicans could use assets to trade for James Harden

[ Pelican Debrief – Aaron Kellerstrass]

"“Adding James Harden to this roster would make the Pelicans legit contenders right away and for the entirety of Zion’s rookie deal. Harden’s contract ends just in time to re-sign Zion and by then they could have a title or at least a deep playoff run that may convince him to stay”"

New Orleans Pelicans: Giving Boston’s disappointing big man a scenery change

[Pelican Debrief – Nick Alvarez]

"“Why pursue Williams? Well, he’s exactly the type of player the team could use in their frontcourt, another athletic big man who can run the floor”"

New Orleans Pelicans: Nickeil Alexander-Walker plays the Manu Ginobili role 

[Pelican Debrief- Nick Alvarez]

"“When Alexander-Walker took the floor, he was dynamic and electric. He came out aggressive driving to the basket early with his dominant left hand. That energy started to spark things for the team when the game was still close early.”"

New Orleans Pelicans: Why Kira Lewis Jr. Should Start in the G-League 

[Pelican Debrief – Aaron Kellerstrass]

"“The Pels would love if Lewis Jr. were ready to seize the backup point guard role, but it would be much better for him in the long run to start the season in the G-League”"

The Whiteboard: Does it really matter what position Zion Williamson plays?

[The Step Back – Ian Levy]

"“The truth is Zion’s ability to effectively leverage winglike skills is still largely hypothetical on both ends of the floor. You can see it in flashes, but aside from his popping debut, he was just 2 of 10 on 3 pointers in the other 23 games”"

More Pelicans News From Around the Internet

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson thrives in debut without restrictions

[ESPN – Andrew Lopez]

‘If he plays at that level, that will be huge for us’: Pelicans’ Lonzo Ball a crucial swing player

[NOLA.com – Christian Clark]

Blockbuster Trade Ideas 1 Week Before 2020-21 NBA season

[ Bleacher Report – Zach Buckley]

Another massive James Harden to New Orleans deal is included in this piece which benefits Houston a lot more than our deal did!

2020-21 Season Preview: New Orleans Pelicans

[NBA.com – Micheal C. RIght]

There it is, our wrap up on some New Orleans Pelicans news that’s currently floating around, check back periodically for more editions of these posts!