The New Orleans Pelicans are “expected to be buyers” at the trade deadline according to recent reports.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report had this to say about the Pelicans’ potential to make a move before the NBA trade deadline:
"“The New Orleans Pelicans, while awaiting Zion Williamson’s season debut, are still expected to be buyers ahead of the trade deadline, with an eye toward competing for the play-in tournament. Third-year forward Jaxson Hayes, the No. 8 pick in the 2019 NBA draft, is now considered available for trade, league sources said. ”"
Either the Pelicans think Zion Williamson is going to come back some time this season, or they think the Pels can compete for the play-in without him.
The Pelicans are just 3.5 games out of the final play-in spot, so it’s not out of the question that the right move could catapult them into the playoffs, especially if Zion does come back.
It’s not surprising that Jaxson Hayes is up for grabs, but he’ll have limited appeal after being benched and unable to crack the Pelicans’ rotation.
The Pelicans do have a load of future picks, as well as a $17 million trade exception that would allow them to take back more money. With Tomas Satoransky’s expiring contract and a few talented young players, the Pels might be able to make a semi-splashy move.
So what exactly do they need and what players might be available?
The New Orleans Pelicans need depth
The problem the Pelicans have right now is that they are getting next to nothing from their bench.
The starting five with Josh Hart and Herb Jones has been solid, but the Pelicans are running with a nine-man rotation that really only has five guys.
They could try to use Hayes and their draft assets to get a role player who can step in and give them some minutes, or they could try to make the pile bigger and trade for an impact player.
Here are a few names you will probably hear connected to the Pelicans.