New Orleans Pelicans: 3 options for the 8th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft
Pelicans Draft: Options for the 8th pick
Option #2: Package the pick for an impact player
The New Orleans Pelicans have 14 players under contract already for next season, so they may want to move a few contracts, remove some redundancy at guard, and add a guy who can help push them into the realm of title contenders.
The Pelicans have enough young players, contracts and picks to make an attractive offer to a rebuilding team with a good player.
They might also be able to claim a disgruntled star who wants off of his current team, as they could put Jaxson Hayes, Devonte’ Graham the 8th pick and a future pick together to make a play for one guy who could help them more, while clearing some roster space at the same time.
Related Story. Is Jerami Grant a realistic trade target for the Pelicans?. light
The Pistons would probably take Hayes, Graham and the 8th pick for Jerami Grant, Harrison Barnes might be available from the Kings, is Donovan Mitchell really happy with the Jazz? (pipe dream).
The point is that there are guys out there who would probably help the Pelicans more than the 8th pick in this year’s draft, but they’d potentially be risking financial flexibility down the road.
The argument for this strategy is that the Pels can’t count on Zion Williamson to be around in peak form forever, so why not take advantage of this window and try to win a title?
It’s tempting if they can find the right deal.