New Orleans Pelicans: Trade, pending or core? Where each Pelican fits

New Orleans Pelicans: should the Pels trade Josh Hart?

Pending

Josh Hart

Josh Hart is on the final year of his deal and does a lot of things successful teams need.

He and the Pelicans could not come to an agreement on an extension so Hart is clearly ready to test the waters of free agency.

He is a plus defender and rebounder but his shooting has never been great, he’s average from 3-point range and below average at taking it to the rim.

Hart hasn’t played well enough to guarantee the Pels want to bring him back, especially if another team offers him a deal in the $64 million range, which is what was reportedly seeking.

I’m sure the Pels would lock up Josh Hart right now if he was willing to do a 4yr/$40 million extension but for now they have to stay in wait and see mode.

If the right offer came along or Hart was needed as a sweetener in a trade, the Pels would deal him, but I think he’ll end up staying at a number between what he wants and what the Pels are offering.

Jaxson Hayes

Hayes has been up and down this season, which you would expect from a 20-year-old who should have probably logged some time in the G-League.

Hayes has tempting athleticism and could definitely be a player at some point but he also has terrible defensive instincts and can’t shoot, so he’s probably here to stay unless he is part of a bigger trade.

I could see a rebuilding team taking a chance on Hayes, and if the Pels can use him to make a trade, they definitely would, but for now, they are happy to let him get his reps and get better.