Reasons the Pelicans may do nothing at the trade deadline

The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching and though the New Orleans Pelicans have been quiet, there are reports that they hope to be buyers.

This does make some sense, as the Pels have been flirting with the play-in tournament all season, the teams around them in the standings stink, and they might be able to make a move that will help then now as well as in the future.

With names like CJ McCollum and De’Aaron Fox floating around, there might be opportunity for the Pelicans to make a big splash and add a guy they view as the third piece to go with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

I’m sure David Griffin et al are doing their due diligence and if the right deal presents itself, will not hesitate to make it, whether it is to upgrade the bench or to add an impact star.

But there are also some reasons for the Pelicans to do nothing at the trade deadline.

If Zion Williamson returns, the Pelicans don’t need to make a move

Obviously, the potential return of Zion Williamson is the big wildcard for the Pelicans this season.

They are hanging around the play-in and playing good basketball without Zion, but I think it’s safe to say that this is playoff team if he is in there.

There isn’t a team in the NBA that could potentially add a guy like Zion at this point of the season, so if the Pels think there is a chance he’ll come back, they might be happy just rolling with the young group they have, let them continue to build chemistry and then see what happens.

It’s hard to imagine Zion returning at this point, but I don’t have access to the information and the Pelicans might think there’s a chance.

It makes some sense to want to see what this team would look like at full strength before they start making moves. Personally, I think they should go for a guy like McCollum anyway, but I understand trying to be patient with Zion looming over the season.