The New Orleans Pelicans were predicted to be a big part of the trade deadline but it is starting like they might not do anything at all.
The Pels have been in a ton of trade rumors, mostly circling around Eric Bledsoe, J.J. Redick and Lonzo Ball, but just about everyone not named Zion Williamson has had their name mentioned at some point.
This is to be expected, as they are a underperforming team with a lot of young talent and a ton of draft assets, which means they have all of the pieces for a splashy trade.
That still might happen, as the trade deadline is not until March 25th and the Pelicans don’t have to be in a rush. They can see where they are as the deadline gets closer and adjust accordingly, as they are still in a position to be either a buyer or a seller.
The Pelicans’ season has been so inconsistent that they haven’t fallen completely out of playoff contention but also haven’t won enough to be considered definite buyers at the deadline either.
But fans who are hoping for a busy trade deadline could be disappointed, here’s why.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trading Redick and Bledsoe won’t be easy
J.J. Redick was the Pelican most likely to be dealt before the deadline, but his recent injury and procedure on his right heel might make that difficult to do.
Redick wasn’t playing well before the injury and may not have time to show that he is healthy and can still play before the deadline.
Eric Bledsoe won’t be easy to move either. He hasn’t been horrible this year but he hasn’t been good either, so his contract, which is not expiring, might be tough to move unless the Pelicans are willing to give him away for nothing more than an expiring.
If they have visions of re-signing Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball, then that is exactly what they might have to do with Bledsoe, whose salary will make signing both Hart and Ball nearly impossible.