The New Orleans Pelicans have been largely disappointing this season even though they are getting All-NBA level play from Zion Williamson.
Brandon Ingram also continues to impress, so the Pelicans have two of their future pieces in place.
But it has become clear that many of the rest of the pieces don’t fit, so the Pels could be very active as the trade deadline approaches.
By my count, the New Orleans Pelicans have eight players who could be moved at the deadline, which does not include Zion, Ingram or rookie Kira Lewis Jr.
Just about everyone else could be traded in the right deal, so we took a look at what each of them might net in a trade.
Keep in mind that these “trade values” are for the player if he were to be traded alone and not part of a bigger deal, which is unlikely, especially for the young guys.
Let’s start with the guy who is the least likely to be traded.
New Orleans Pelicans: Steven Adams’ trade value
It would be very surprising if the New Orleans Pelicans traded Steven Adams given that his extension hasn’t even kicked in yet.
Trading him now would be an admission that they made a mistake when they traded for him and I don’t think David Griffin et al. are ready to to that just yet.
Adams has improved the Pelicans’ woeful interior defense and rebounding considerably but there are some questions about his long-term fit with Zion Williamson on the offensive end.
He is on a reasonable contract for his production, so if the Pels did want to move him they would find someone who would be interested.
Trade Value: An expiring contract and a protected 1st-round pick
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
New Orleans Pelicans: Trade value for J.J. Redick
Redick’s value has plummeted since last season, when the Pelicans probably could have gotten a protected first-round pick.
But now? I am not sure anyone would want Redick if they had to give up an asset, so if the Pels trade him it will likely be as salary filler in a big trade or just to get rid of him to free up developmental minutes for NAW.
Trade Value: The expiring deal of a bad player and a 2nd-round draft pick
New Orleans Pelicans: Trade value for Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe is another guy who could definitely be moved before the deadline. He is actually having one of his better seasons shooting the ball, especially from long-range and still has the reputation of a defensive stopper even though that is no longer true. I could see a team like the Clippers taking a chance on the veteran guard, especially if they could jettison an underperforming player in the process.
Trade Value: Two bench players or a guy like Luke Kennard (underperforming on good team)
New Orleans Pelicans: Trade value for Josh Hart
Josh Hart is a guy who would be difficult to trade, as he is not only the Pels’ best bench player (only good bench player actually) but he is on a team-friendly contract for which it would be hard to get equal value.
But his contract expires after this season and the Pelicans may not be able to re-sign him. There are a also a lot of contenders who could use him, so these two facts could prompt the Pelicans to move him in the right deal.
Trade Value: A young prospect on a rookie deal or a late first-round draft pick
New Orleans Pelicans: Trade value for Lonzo Ball
First off, if the New Orleans Pelicans trade Lonzo Ball I am going to lose some faith in their vision for what this team can be, as he has proven himself to be the type of player they should be trying to add around Zion Williamson.
But he is also on the final year of his deal and is undoubtedly the Pelicans’ best trade asset, so it’s possible that he will be moved if the Pels get the sense that they won’t be able to retain him or can get a package for him that they really like.
Lonzo could definitely be part of a bigger deal to get a star like Bradley Beal, or he could be traded for a player the Pels feel better complements their two young stars.
Trade Value: A young wing on a similar deal and a 1st-round draft pick
As you can see, none of the New Orleans Pelicans have much value on their own, but if they are packaged together with a few draft picks, the Pels may be able to make a move for a star or at least a guy who better fits their roster.