While the 2022-23 season is over for the New Orleans Pelicans, the 2023-24 season has already begun. And David Griffin and company now face the task of avoiding a potential repeat of this past disappointing season. While some factors were clearly outside of the team’s control — the injuries to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram — New Orleans has far too much potential to continue to watch the playoffs from home.
The core of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram is young enough that hitting the panic button is premature, but it’s worth taking inventory to know what the options are. David Griffin, who addressed the media last month, stated that he believes the is more likely to undergo “tweaks” than a blockbuster move. That, of course, could always change.
So what’s the plan? Minor moves around the margins, like Griffin suggested? Or will the team look to add a star alongside Williamson, Ingram, and CJ McCollum? Perhaps something even more drastic? None can say for certain, but the Pelicans will have every one of these options ahead of them this offseason.
As the New Orleans Pelicans face another important offseason, who/what are their top trade assets?
We took a look at the top trade options for the Pelicans. Who they are, what makes them so valuable, and why the team could consider parting ways with them. While many of the names on the current roster have endeared themselves to fans and the team alike, the brutal nature of the business dictates that sometimes, players to whom many are attached must be moved for opportunities to compete (see trading Josh Hart for CJ McCollum).
#6: Herbert Jones
The steal of the 2021 NBA Draft, Herbert Jones quickly made himself at home in the Pelicans’ starting lineup. Of his 144 total games with the team, Jones started in 135 of them, including all 66 games he played this season.
While his offensive game still needs some polishing, his ability and effort defensively are already near unmatched across the league despite the lack of love he’s received during award season. Many in the media and others who don’t shine an eye on New Orleans often may not appreciate what Jones brings to the table, but many of the players in the league certainly do.
In addition to several teammates speaking out in support of the 24-year-old forward, stars around the league have spoken about Jone’s ability as a defender.
One of the best value deals in the league; teams should, and likely have, been making calls to David Griffin, looking to pry Jones away. If the return is worthwhile, then it should, of course, be considered, but there should not be a rush by any means.
Every team should want a player like Jones. The only reason to trade him away would be in a greater package that nets the Pelicans a higher level of player, a perennial (or near perennial) All-Star.
#5: Trey Murphy III
Since he was drafted with the 17th pick back in 2021, Trey Murphy III has done exactly what was expected of him. That is, played the role of a “three-and-D” wing. In fact, Murphy has clearly exceeded those expectations after taking a more than solid leap in his second season.
In 79 total games, Murphy started in 65 of them, averaging 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while shooting over 40% from deep on more than 6.3 attempts per game. In just his second season, he became the archetype of the modern wing.
Murphy is not even 23 years old and is only due just $8.5 million over the next two years. His young age and affordable contract only serve to increase his value. And while he could easily find himself a member of the team’s core moving forward, he could also be used as a centerpiece in a deal to bring another All-Star-level player to New Orleans.
Teams are always searching for players like Murphy, and it’s rare they get the opportunity to acquire one that is so young and affordable. Any team looking to get younger or perhaps rearrange some things positionally speaking could certainly have interest in the two-way wing.
Teams like the Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Hornets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, or the Toronto Raptors all make sense for Murphy and have the potential star power available to make him worth trading.
#4: CJ McCollum
When the Pelicans acquired CJ McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers, they did so with the belief that the team was one talented veteran away from becoming a perennial playoff contender. In fairness to the team, they likely would have been correct if not for a series of injuries to multiple players.
Since coming to New Orleans, McCollum has proven himself both on and off the court. The 10-year vet averaged 21.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Pelicans this season in 75 games, leading the team to their first winning record since 2017-18.
Trading away McCollum does not match David Griffin’s plans for an offseason of tweaks, but with two stars under the age of 25, it’s admittedly tough to see a guard on the wrong side of 30 as a perfect fit. If a team is looking to move off of a high-quality player but is hoping to remain competitive in the process, the Pelicans could receive calls about McCollum. Teams like the Hawks and the Boston Celtics come to mind.
More than likely, CJ McCollum will remain with the Pelicans through the offseason. However, if the opportunity arises to either upgrade or receive a similar level player who more closely aligns with the team’s timeframe, David Griffin and the rest of New Orlean’s front office would be wise to consider at least the possibility of a trade.
#3: Draft Capital
In addition to drafting such notable talents as Jones, Murphy, and Williamson, the Pelicans still have an impressive stash of picks; in addition to the 14th pick in the 2023 Draft and all of their own future firsts, New Orleans also has the rights to the Los Angles Lakers first-round pick in either 2024 or 2025. They also own the Milwaukee Bucks’ firsts in 2025 (protected for selections 5-30) and 2027 (unprotected), as well as pick swaps in 2024 and 2026.
That’s a grand total of 10 potential firsts between now and 2029, plus two pick swaps, the second of which could prove lucrative by combining an assortment of these picks with the salary of Jonas Valanciunas, Larry Nance Jr., or some of the high-quality assets on this team could land the Pelicans one of several star players who may hit the market this offseason or upcoming.
The Pelicans have had a fair amount of draft success in recent years, but there’s no question they should explore opportunities to move a few of them if they feel it can lead to a difference-maker.
#2: Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram has been a bit of a confusing player during his career, particularly with the Pelicans. An All-Star with the team in his first season back in 2019-20, Ingram has seemed primed to make the leap each year, and yet, he hasn’t done so to this point.
Part of this is, of course, related to several injuries in that time, but it’s fair to wonder if Ingram has already hit his ceiling. And even if he has, that’s far from terrible. He’s a near 25-point-per-game scorer, a solid rebounder, and an effective facilitator.
If the Pelicans were to move on from Ingram, that would only be if the team decided to hit the surprising reboot button or, more likely, double down and go superstar hunting. With names like Pascal Siakam, Jaylen Brown, and Trae Young potentially hitting the market this offseason, the time to strike is perhaps approaching. Then again, the team may be wise to hold on should Luka Doncic or Joel Embiid become available.
Surprisingly just 25 years of age, there is still opportunity ahead of Ingram to reach an even higher level of play, which only increases his value.
#1: Zion Williamson
While most may not be ready to discuss the idea of trading away a player who was proclaimed to be the most hyped prospect since LeBron James, the Pelicans are at the stage where they must at least consider it. Williamson has only played in 114 games over the past four seasons, and while he’s been transcendent when healthy – 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists – those moments just aren’t frequent enough for the Pelicans to be a legitimate contender.
Williamson missed all of last season with an injury to his right foot. Though he came back to the court fully healthy to start the season, men of his size and foot injuries have a notorious history together. No matter how well he plays, there will be a conversation about injuries that will surround Zion for the rest of his career.
The superstar talent is obviously there. Williamson is coming off of a season that saw his second All-Star selection (in just three seasons played) despite playing just 29 games. Even if he doesn’t ever play a fully healthy season, the value of Williamson is immense, whether on the court for New Orleans or in a potential trade.
It’s rare to get such a generational talent, and at some point, he may very well have a run of healthy years, but as he’s only played in 37% of his potential games, perhaps it’s wise to cut ties.