New Orleans Pelicans: Sending Lonzo Ball to the Knicks is a win-win

The New Orleans Pelicans make this deal to acquire depth and give opportunities to the younger players on their roster

Why the Pelicans make the trade

I like this deal for the New Orleans Pelicans because, in exchange for Lonzo Ball, they’d be acquiring a few pieces that would fill obvious holes on their roster.

Starting with Austin Rivers. Rivers was drafted by the old New Orleans regime back in 2012 with the 10th pick in the draft. Sure, he never lived up to his draft billing, but he’s developed into a pretty impressive role player.

Capable of playing both the point and shooting guard, Rivers fits Stan Van Gundy’s system better than Lonzo Ball because he’s a strong pick-and-roll player and a fantastic 3 point shooter. He’s making 40 percent of his 3s to open the season, and having him command the bench could help the Pelicans a lot.

Secondly, the Pelicans could get Kevin Knox on the squad, a young player who has some promise but needs to get out of New York. Knox is a 6’7″ forward with an impressive wingspan and solid defensive abilities, but he lacks offense in his game. Maybe coming to New Orleans would and working with assistant Fred Vinson would allow Knox to find a role as a 3-and-D wing.

And of course, how could forget about this deal netting the Pelicans another 1st round pick? Sure, this pick wouldn’t be high if the Knicks make the playoffs, but it will give the Pelicans flexibility to make a move.

Altogether, this deal looks like a win for both sides, and something that the New Orleans Pelicans should definitely consider.