The New Orleans Pelicans are currently in the purgatory between chasing the playoffs and chasing the number one pick in the NBA Draft.
The Pels are the most inconsistent team in the NBA, looking like title contenders one night then losing to the worst team in the NBA the next.
The trade deadline could go either way when it comes to the Pelicans, as they are still close enough to the play-in game to try and add talent at the deadline but also close enough to the bottom of the Western Conference to sell off their veterans for future draft assets and prospects.
Of course, with J.J. Redick out with injury, Eric Bledsoe not garnering much of a market and Lonzo Ball trade rumors cooling off, it could also be a very quiet deadline for the Pelicans.
David Griffin sure isn’t tipping his hand, as the Pels’ front office has been silent about their plans and given no indication on which way they want to go.
Which way should they go?
New Orleans Pelicans: Should the Pels be buyers or sellers?
The question is moot because they probably won’t be either. If the Pelicans make any moves at the deadline, it will be with the future in mind either way, as they are unlikely to trade for a rental in an effort to win now.
Also, without dipping into their young players or draft capital, there are unlikely to get anything of great value in return for guys like Redick and Bledsoe, so moves will be more likely used to clear cap space.
In my opinion, this team needs an overhaul, especially the bench. Also if the Pels want to re-sign Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart, then they need to get some salary off the books, so they should be selling as much as possible at the deadline unless it is a blockbuster deal for someone like Aaron Gordon.
We took a look at three teams to monitor if the Pels are sellers and three to watch if they are buyers.
New Orleans Pelicans: Teams to watch at the trade deadline
Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers have been inconsistent this season and Kawhi Leonard recently called them out for it. It seems like the Clippers have no confidence that they have enough to beat the Lakers and they would love to add a veteran guard.
There might be some interest in sending Eric Bledsoe to the Clippers, though the contracts they might want to send back may not be palatable to the Pels.
Philadelphia 76ers: The rumors around the 76ers are bound to heat up again as they try to add some depth for a playoff run in the East. The obvious name that pops up is Redick, though with him now out with injury that has cooled some. They could be another team with some amount of interest in Bledsoe if the price is right but again, the fit may not be there contract-wise.
If the Pels just wanted to unload Bledsoe for future cap, then Philly has some expiring deals that would work.
Boston Celtics: The Celtics, as usual, are in rumors for just about anyone. Does this team actually ever make a trade though or does Danny Ainge just like to see his name in the newspapers? The Celtics have been sitting on a hoard of picks forever and still have “also-ran” talent in the East. They might be interested in Redick or Bledsoe and would probably love to get their hands on Steven Adams, though that one would be tough to work financially.
Bledsoe makes some sense with Marcus Smart struggling with injuries but since the Celtics love to string the fans along with the hope of young players, they might not be willing to give up much for the veteran.
If the New Orleans Pelicans seek to add talent at the deadline, they could target a few of the bad teams that have players they’d love to sell off while they can.
New Orleans Pelicans: Teams to watch at the deadline if Pels are buyers
Detroit Pistons: The Pistons struck first in the trade season, sending Svi Mykhailiuk to the Thunder for Hamidou Diallo. This is trade that I thought the Pelicans should have gotten in on, as both guys are young and could have helped fill a need in New Orleans but apparently David Griffin is on holiday or something.
If the Pels wanted to add shooting they could get Wayne Ellington for cheap. If they wanted to go for a huge blockbuster then they could offer the house for Jerami Grant, who would be a nice fit but would be costly.
I actually love Mason Plumlee on the Pels as well, as he is a big who can pass and stretch the floor a bit, is on a cheap contract and could probably be had for fairly cheap.
Orlando Magic: We broke down what it might take to get Aaron Gordon, and rumor has it he is being shopped. I don’t necessarily see the fit, as he does a lot of the same things as Zion, just not as well and may create spacing issues on offense. If the Pels wanted to go for the big splash, then Nikola Vucevic should be the target, as he would be the perfect big to put with what they already have.
Houston Rockets: The Rockets have now lost 17 games in a row, which is pretty pathetic. They are clearly gunning for a top pick and a fresh start, so would probably be willing to deal a veteran like PJ Tucker, who the Pels might have some interest in even though he is a free agent after this season and his best days are behind him. I have always liked Danuel House as a potential Pelican, so he could be another target.
The New Orleans Pelicans are a confusing team that could do just about anything at the deadline or nothing at all, either way, the future should really start on March 26th.