New Orleans Pelicans: Trade value of players who might be moved

New Orleans Pelicans: Trade value for Nicolo Melli

I can’t imagine that there will be too many teams lined up to trade for Nicolo Melli, as he has been flat-out awful dating back to last season when he inexplicably forgot how to shoot the ball.

But he is an expiring contract, so the Pelicans might be able to find a suitor if they are willing to take back a longer deal from a team looking to open up some cap space for next season. I can’t imagine him being traded unless his contract his needed for filler in a bigger deal.

Trade Value: A bust on a rookie contract or an older G-League player

New Orleans Pelicans: Trade value for Jaxson Hayes

Jaxson Hayes is a tougher one to figure out, as he has flashed some talent and still has lottery-pick pedigree at 20-years-old.

But he is out of the Pelicans’ rotation and hasn’t really shown much at this early stage in his career. It’s possible some team would take a flyer on him though, as they could buy low and potentially get a guy who could be a player down the road.

Trade Value: Veteran player outperforming his contract or a heavily protected 1st-round pick or two second-round picks

New Orleans Pelicans: Trade value for Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Like Hayes, NAW is very likely to be traded on his own, as he would have more value as a sweetener in a bigger trade.

He is another guy who has flashed talent and I do think there would be some teams with interest, specifically a team like OKC who is always looking to hoard young developmental talent and may like the idea of pairing him with his cousin.

But he’d be a risk to trade for nothing given his salary and potential, so he’s unlikely to be moved unless it’s in a bigger deal, just like Hayes.

Trade Value: Veteran bench depth or a heavily protected 1st-round pick or two second-round picks