The New Orleans Pelicans could go a lot of different directions at this year’s trade deadline.
They have several veterans in J.J. Redick, Eric Bledsoe, Nicolo Melli and maybe even Steven Adams, who might draw interest from teams looking to shake things up at the deadline.
The most likely to be traded is J.J. Redick, as he is on the final year of his deal, could be valuable for a contending team and has no future in New Orleans.
He’s likely to flee for the east coast at the end of the season, so the Pelicans may as well trade him now to get some type of value for him since this season is looking more like it is headed for the lottery than the playoffs.
One team that keeps popping up in trade rumors is the Brooklyn Nets, who are clearly in “win now” mode after acquiring Blake Griffin to add to Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.
The Nets would love to add some more shooting and Redick could theoretically provide it, though he has not shot the ball well this season.
His value is far lower than it was last season, which means the New Orleans Pelicans can’t be too picky when it comes to trade packages.
Could they take a risk on a guy like Spencer Dinwiddie? We’ve written about this possibility before, but as the trade deadline approaches and the Nets look to fine turn their roster, it’s worth another look.
Also, the addition of Blake Griffin might make another member of the Nets available, so this one could net more than one useful player.
Here is what a trade for Spencer Dinwiddie might look like and why the Pelicans should at least consider picking up the phone to get it started.