New Orleans Pelicans: 5 possible trade targets to watch vs. Bulls
When the New Orleans Pelicans play the Chicago Bulls Wednesday, there will almost certainly be some trade talk.
The Bulls have long been rumored as possible trade partners for the New Orleans Pelicans, most of them revolving around them trying to steal Lonzo Ball, which is looking far less likely than it might have earlier this season.
The Bulls have managed to keep themselves in the playoff hunt in the East even though they’ve had myriad injuries.
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Zach LaVine is playing like an All-NBA talent and the Bulls have gotten nice contributions from some of their young guys. They are still bad and making the playoffs in the East doesn’t even require a winning record, so the Bulls are currently in between being a playoff hopeful and a lottery tanker.
The same could be said of the New Orleans Pelicans, who notched a nice win over the Utah Jazz last night but have still not consistently put it all together though Zion Williamson has been spectacular.
The two teams could have some matches when it comes to trades and are worth monitoring as the trade deadline gets closer. Here are five guys the Pelicans might want from the Bulls.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trading for the Bulls’ wings
The Chicago Bulls have two wings that might interest the New Orleans Pelicans, who desperately need some size and depth at the position behind Brandon Ingram.
Unfortunately, both of them are currently hurt, though they should return before the All-Star break.
Otto Porter Jr. has the size and 3-point shooting the Pels covet on the wing but he’s been out forever with an injury (what’s new?) and is not even practicing with the team right now. It’s unlikely the Pels would give up much to get Porter Jr. who is on a massive deal that ends after this season.
If they could unload J.J. Redick they might consider it, as Porter Jr. could be a low-cost free agent option next season as he tries to regain value.
Same with Chandler Hutchinson, who hasn’t played much this season but should return soon. These two would be in the “buy low” category, as they haven’t shown that they can stay healthy.
It may be worth kicking the tires a bit, especially if they cost very little in terms of players or draft capital.