New Orleans Pelicans: Trading Steven Adams is a ridiculous idea

Even after a 7-12 start, the New Orleans Pelicans would be foolish to trade Steven Adams

I’ll be one of the first to say that this New Orleans Pelicans season has been a total disappointment thus far, but let’s not get crazy here.

Upon waking up this morning, I saw a slew of items that angered me. First, it was having to relive De’Aaaron Fox torching the Pelicans defense to win the game against the Kings, but then it was some of the outrageous reactions.

Some fans are frustrated with the results and rooting for the Pelicans to tank the season. In their minds, that means selling off every player not named Brandon Ingram or Zion Williamson for assets. Including, the recently added Steven Adams.

My question is, what sense does that make? The Pelicans already have boatloads of future picks, and they don’t need anymore. Sure, the Pelicans can sell-off some players that don’t quite fit (J.J. Redick, Lonzo Ball), but that’s not quite tanking. That’s a form of addition by subtraction.

I don’t know what it is that some fans don’t like about Steven Adams. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s a big man in a guard orientated league. Or maybe, it’s the fact that Adams came to New Orleans in the deal that sent fan-favorite Jrue Holiday away.

Either way, it would be absolutely dumb for the Pelicans to totally strip down the roster and trade Adams. Here’s why.

Why trading Steven Adams would be a bad move for the New Orleans Pelicans

It’s fairly obvious why the Pelicans shouldn’t trade Steven Adams, but for writers of other teams crafting trade proposals and delusional Pelicans fans, here’s a refresher.

Let’s start with the obvious situation. Steven Adams was the marquee return in the Jrue Holiday deal, and it’s safe to say that the Pelicans would probably have made a different trade if Adams wasn’t involved.

Following that point up, let’s not forget the reports that David Griffin had his eye on Steven Adams since he was an executive in Cleveland, and gave him extension upon acquiring him. He’s a player that Griffin wants on his team, so he’s not giving him up because of a bad start to the season.

Now, to the situation on the court. Just because Willy Hernangomez and Jaxson Hayes have one good night rebounding the basketball, doesn’t mean that they’re better than Steven Adams.

People easily forget how crucial Adams is to the Pelicans.  Adams is an elite interior defender, and stellar rebounder. When the Pelicans do play well on defense, it’s partially because Adams is leading way. When they don’t play well, Adams is usually the only highlight on the defensive end of the floor. It’s that simple.

He might not be the offensive force that some fans want, but don’t forget that Adams is an integral piece to running some of the hallmark sets in Stan Van Gundy’s offense too.

Taking away Adams just creates another hole that the Pelicans need to fill. They’re back to where they were this past offseason looking for another big-man. I know, some fans pine for that mythical “stretch-five” but those players don’t grow on trees.

With Adams in the fold, the Pelicans have a stellar frontcourt trio, why change that? Instead, the Pelicans front office should do everything in their power to keep those three together and add pieces they need to make that trio competitive. It’s not that hard, don’t give up on Steven Adams just because the Pelicans are 7-12.