NBA Trade Rumors: New Orleans Pelicans should trade for Victor Oladipo

The New Orleans Pelicans have the contracts and draft assets to make a splashy trade and there might be one available for Victor Oladipo.

The Houston Rockets star guard has been made available per Tim Bontemps of ESPN.

The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a big win over the Phoenix Suns but have been largely disappointing and the subject of myriad trade rumors involving Lonzo Ball and J.J. Redick.

They would love to add another star-caliber player around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, especially someone who can defend.

Could they make a move for Victor Oladipo?

The Pelicans have the ammunition to get him but would it be worth giving up future assets for a player who is not a superstar?

Oladipo is very good, averaging 20 points, five assists and more than a steal per game. He has the type of versatile skillset that would fit almost any roster, including the New Orleans Pelicans.

He definitely has value for the Houston Rockets in a trade but he is also on the final year of his contract so teams aren’t going to give up too much.

Here’s what a trade might look like.

New Orleans Pelicans: Trading for Victor Oladipo of the Houston Rockets

If the Pelicans could get Oladipo using mostly expiring contracts and draft picks, then they should go for it.

In this trade, the Houston Rockets essentially finish blowing up their roster. They get an expiring contract in J.J. Redick, a project player with upside in Nickeil Alexander-Walker and a first-round draft pick in 2022.

The New Orleans Pelicans get a versatile guard who could fit well with what they already have and add to their depth.

Would the Rockets want more? Who says no?