The New Orleans Pelicans made the playoffs this season without Zion Williamson and hope bigger things are on the horizon.
After taking the Suns to six games, the Pels have to feel they can hang with anyone when at full strength and that they might be a title contender once they are.
But the Pelicans could use some insurance for Zion getting hurt again, and could also use another veteran defender who can guard multiple spots and allow them to go small.
Without cap space to burn, the Pelicans’ only real way to acquire talent this offseason is by trading their top-10 draft pick.
This would be an all-in move from a franchise that might be a year away from really contending for a title, but it also makes sense given that they already have several young players who contribute and this year’s pick is a long shot to even make the rotation.
If they could find a team desperate for a draft pick, they might even be able to unload some of their less desirable contracts in the process.
There is a team out there that fits this description.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trading for Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons
Full disclosure: I cover the Pistons as well, but I do think this is a trade that has some merit for both teams.
In this trade, the Pels get off a player who was not a great fit (Graham), as well as a veteran who was out of the rotation and is definitely not part of the long-term plans and give up their top-10 pick for forward Jerami Grant.
The Pistons eat those two contracts in exchange for the pick, which they would love to have as a rebuilding team looking to add more young talent around Cade Cunningham.
The Pistons are still a year or two away from being a year or two away and the Pelicans are a team that is ready to win now, so this trade makes some sense in regards to timeline, but is Jerami Grant the type of guy the Pelicans should pursue?