New Orleans Pelicans: Pels could trade Lonzo Ball for Kyle Lowry
![Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/45651fa5e0e67dcb80426d62d19636d16771182d8e5be195959006e88618a235.jpg)
New Orleans Pelicans: Trading for Kyle Lowry makes sense
Why Toronto would do it
It’s too early for the Raptors to give up on their season, but if things don’t turn around quickly they’d be foolish not to use their best trade chip to get some assets.
If the Raptors start winning, then they won’t consider moving Lowry, but if they don’t, it will be on the table even though he is their most popular player.
This trade would get them a young point guard in Lonzo Ball who fits well with the personnel they already have. He will only be a restricted free agent, so they’d have the rest of the season to try him out to see if they like the fit, if not they move on and have a ton of cap space.
The Raptors would get Redick’s money off their books next season and Melli’s contract is team-friendly enough to take on even though it has one more year after this one.
Who knows, maybe Melli can have a rebirth on a team known for its foreign-born players over the years.
The Raptors also get two draft picks including a first-rounder, which is about all they can expect for a guy who is Lowry’s age.
No other contender has more to offer, so the Raptors would have to at least listen to this offer.
What about the New Orleans Pelicans?