New Orleans Pelicans: The pros and cons of trading Lonzo Ball

New Orleans Pelicans: What will Lonzo Ball get in a trade?

The Assets

Moving Lonzo Ball will almost certainly bring back an asset of some kind. The Pels can either switch him out for a guy who better fits the roster, someone like Kelly Oubre or they can try to move him for a pick in a loaded draft.

Pros: If you can get a first-round pick for Lonzo Ball in the 2021 Draft then you do it and do it now, especially if it is not protected. The 2021 draft class is loaded and the Pels might be able to net a superstar if they end up with even more picks.  They already have two, but adding a third in this draft would give them the firepower to move up and get a superstar.

If the Pels decide to go after a player, they can find a wing or forward who better fits their roster needs and might be on a favorable contract.

Cons: Lonzo Ball was the 2nd overall pick in the draft and there is no guarantee that anyone they choose is going to be better. Lonzo is only 23-years-old, barely older than some of the draft prospects, so the Pels would just be trading an unknown for an even bigger unknown.

Lonzo Ball could be a star in this league and the draft is always a crapshoot.

Same with getting a player. Do you really think the Pels are going to get equal value for Lonzo Ball right now? Do you think a guy like Kelly Oubre has the same ceiling as Lonzo? I don’t. The Pels will end up taking back a lesser player and would probably regret it.