New Orleans Pelicans: Trade value of the Pels most likely to be moved

The New Orleans Pelicans are in a lot of trade rumors and may move on from one or more of their current players.

But what could they expect to get?

The only untouchable players the Pelicans have right now are Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Anyone else could be moved in the right deal.

It’s unlikely the Pelicans would trade Steven Adams since they already extended him and must envision him as part of the core moving forward.

For the purposes of this article, I am going to look at the five players most likely to be traded before the trade deadline.

Because Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaxson Hayes and Kira Lewis Jr. are all on their rookie deals, they would likely only be included in trade packages for a star.

Everyone else is on the table. Here’s what the Pelicans could get.

New Orleans Pelicans: What could the Pels get for J.J. Redick in a trade?

The “Shooters”

I use the term shooter lightly here because neither of these guys have made many shots lately. But teams are always looking for shooting, so the Pels might be able to get something.

Nicolo Melli

Trade Value: Negative

I can’t see a team wanting to trade for Melli unless they have a similar player who might also need a change in scenery. The Pels are stuck with Melli unless he is salary filler in a bigger trade.

J.J. Redick

Trade Value: Multiple 2nd round picks, a project player, or a heavily-protected first-round pick

Redick’s trade value would have been much higher a few months ago but he has not played well so far this season.

But Redick has enough history in the bank that someone will take a chance on his shooting. If the Pels were to trade him now, I can’t imagine he’d get a first-round pick but there might be a contender out there who wants to win right now and is willing to take a risk.

More than likely, Redick will either be used as salary filler in a bigger deal or will bring back a low-level project for the New Orleans Pelicans.