New Orleans Pelicans: Trading for Mike Muscala of the OKC Thunder

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Nickeil Alexander-Walker #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes inside as Mike Muscala #33 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans: Trading for Mike Muscala of the OKC Thunder

Why the Thunder would do it

The perpetually rebuilding Thunder are the youngest team in the NBA, and GM Sam Presi has been hoarding draft picks for the last several seasons.

They would probably love to trade veterans Al Horford, Muscala and Trevor Ariza for more young players or picks that they can use to make future trades or to build a young roster with upside.

I suggested a NAW for Ariza trade but Ariza has been hurt and there is currently no timetable for his return.

Unlike Ariza, Muscala is on a league-minimum contract and is putting up numbers, so the Pels might have to give up more than the awful Melli and two 2nd-round picks to pry him away.

If the Thunder could turn Muscala into a first-round pick, he’d probably be on his way out the door now, so the Pels might have to overpay if they want to upgrade their bench.

If I were David Griffin, I’d be on the phone with Sam Presti to see what it would take to get Muscala, as he would be a big upgrade for the bench, especially the way he’s been playing so far this season.

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