4 possible trade targets for the New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have mostly been impressive so far in the young season, and appear to have one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the NBA.

That depth is already being tested with injuries to Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones and Dyson Daniels and the reserves have responded, getting a shorthanded win against Dallas and then hanging tough with Phoenix on the road.

I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that this team is a title contender if they are healthy, and another impact addition could make them the favorites to win the Western Conference.

The Pelicans have the resources to pull off a trade for more talent, and could decide to really push their chips in and go for it after what we’ve seen so far this season.

New Orleans Pelicans: Depth and fit

You can never have too much depth in the NBA, so even though the Pelicans are deep, adding another quality player would give them some insurance against future injuries to their stars.

And even if the Pelicans can stay healthy for most of the season, adding more talent would just make them that much stronger. Windows close quickly in the NBA, so why not go for it while you can?

There is also a matter of fit, as the Pels have a couple of guys whose contracts could be consolidated to get a better player at a position of greater need.

The Pels didn’t end up extending Jaxson Hayes, who will now become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. If he is not part of the future plans, then it makes sense to move him before losing him for nothing.

Devonte’ Graham has been more efficient in a lesser role this season, but the Pelicans don’t need any more small guards, and recently committed to Kira Lewis Jr. for another season. His return would make Graham redundant and the Pels could use more depth at other positions.

There are two teams that stand out as possible trade partners with the New Orleans Pelicans at some point in the season depending on where they are in the standings.