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.
Jerami Grant
I’ve already talked about Grant as a possibility and I love his fit on New Orleans as a guy who can defend multiple positions, hit spot-up 3-pointers and create his own shot from time to time. The problem is that he is out for at least six weeks with a thumb injury, so he’s not going to help anyone, anytime soon.
Ricky Rubio
I love Rubio’s fit with the Pelicans but am not sure the Cavaliers would want to mess with their team right now considering they are 18-12 and the #4 seed in the Eastern Conference. They will probably look to add to their roster, not take away from it. If the Cavaliers just wanted to get off his salary and recoup something before he becomes a free agent, the Pelicans could send them Hayes and a future pick. Rubio is the type of steadying hand at point guard who would help the Pelicans win now and I actually love him as a future bench piece.
De’Aaron Fox
If the New Orleans Pelicans wanted a splashy move they could try to acquire New Orleans native De’Aaron Fox from the Kings. The question is what it might take to get him. The Kings would undoubtedly want Brandon Ingram, which is a non-starter, so I am not sure these talks go anywhere unless there is a third team involved.
Ben Simmons
If the Pelicans want to dominate the headlines for all of the wrong reasons forever, then who knows, maybe they’ll make a pass at Simmons. I don’t think Ingram is on the table in such a deal, so there would definitely have to be a third team involved, preferably one with a star player to send Philly. I am not sold on Simmons fit but if the New Orleans Pelicans could get him without giving up Ingram, why not?
John Wall or Eric Gordon
No.
The Pacers
Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis and Caris LeVert are all apparently up for grabs but I don’t really see any of them as a great fit with Zion Williamson. Turner’s shot blocking and 3-point shooting would be welcome, but can he play with Jonas Valanciunas, or would JV have to be part of the deal? If so, would the Pacers even be interested? Same with Sabonis. LeVert just seems like a better version of Nickeil Alexander-Walker for way more money. Pass.
Buddy Hield
I know a lot of Pels’ fans would love to bring Buddy back and his shooting would theoretically work around Zion and Ingram. The question is what it would take to get him. If the Pels could use their trade exception and a pick to get Buddy, then go for it. I would even be glad to send them one of NAW or Hayes (or both) to sweeten the deal.