New Orleans Pelicans: A trade for PJ Tucker could help both teams

Why the Pelicans would make this deal happen

What the Pelicans need: Defense and Energy

Enter: PJ Tucker

The Pelicans are in need of more players that match their defensive driven philosophy under coach Stan Van Gundy. PJ is the perfect fit for that mold.

Not only does he provide defense, but also the ability to spread the floor and gives the team versatility in different rotations playing him as a 4-man off the bench or a small ball center.

This is the main reason the Pelicans would do this deal, but another reason is because it wouldn’t cost them too much.

For this trade to work, it would only cost the Pelicans one of their young talents in Wenyen Gabriel & then, Nicolo Melli, someone who is out of the rotation at this point. The Rockets also get a future second round pick for their troubles.

The final reason for making this trade is that PJ Tucker and Zion have a similar frame, so adding him could teach Zion some strategies and ways to improve on that side of the floor.

PJ Tucker had this to say after being matched up with Zion in their first matchup,

"“He’s good and he’s a good, physical player,” said Rockets center P.J Tucker, who typically matches up with the league’s strongest big men. “He’s athletic, so that’s the thing when you’re real strong, and as big as he is – to be that athletic and you can’t give him an edge. With lefties, it’s always a little tricky with the angle. Being strong and big myself, you want to be able to try and match the physicality, but at the same time I understand how athletic he is as well.”"

In this trade the Pelicans may be losing a player who has the chance to become something special, but in turn they are getting a player that could change things immediately.