Reasons the Pelicans may do nothing at the trade deadline

The New Orleans Pelicans and the 2022 NBA Draft

The New Orleans Pelicans owe the Charlotte Hornets a 1st-round pick in 2022 from the Devonte’ Graham trade they made last summer, but there are protections on it.

If the Pelicans finish in the lottery, that first-round pick turns into two second-rounders, which are far less valuable even in a draft that is not thought to be all that rich with top-end talent.

If the Pels stay in the lottery and keep their pick, there is always a chance they will get lucky and jump in the draft as they did the year they got Zion.

Even if they don’t, a pick in the 10-13 range would be a valuable trade chip that the Pelicans could add to a package to make a big offseason trade.

I am not suggesting the Pelicans should tank, but doing nothing effectively would be, as they probably don’t have the talent to crack into the playoffs and they get to keep their pick as long as it is in the lottery, meaning that the play-in won’t matter either.

If the right deal isn’t there now, it might be in the offseason, when the Pelicans will know the fate of their lottery pick and can add it to a package to get a star.

My gut tells me the Pelicans will make some type of move, but if they don’t, I understand, as there are reasons to just stay where they are and make their moves in the future.