The New Orleans Pelicans were anticipated to be heavily involved at the 2024-25 NBA season's trade deadline. They were always expected to trade Brandon Ingram this year, as his pairing with Zion Williamson has clearly proven unideal after multiple shortcomings together as a duo. It only seemed more inevitable after they exited the summer without a contract extension in place.
But, even Ingram might not be traded now. After their disastrous start to the season, the Pelicans reportedly made nearly everyone on the roster available for trade and were even said to have been shopping Ingram, Zion, and CJ McCollum. Just because they're selling doesn't mean anybody's buying though.
If the original rumored evaluations of Zion's trade value are true, then he certainly won't be moved this season, although league executives have supposedly changed their tune on what he's worth in a deal. Still, nobody should expect to see Williamson traded this year. But there is one member of the Pelicans who almost certainly will be on a new team ahead of the deadline.
Javonte Green should have plenty of suitors at the NBA trade deadline
According to Jake Fischer and The Stein Line, the Pelicans have gotten quite a few calls regarding Javonte Green this year:
"If there's one trade candidate to monitor in New Orleans, it may be Javonte Green. The Pelicans are receiving healthy interest in the athletic forward, who makes just $2 million this season and is yet another player whose current salary is lower than the league's current veteran minimum."
Because Green's salary clocks in under the league's current veteran's minimum, he's even more attractive in any potential trade. That's because he and his contract are immune to the restrictions wrought on by the new CBA and its daunted second apron. Regardless of a team's financial situation, they're always able to trade for a player making the vet minimum or less like Javonte Green.
But, of course, his contract can only do so much. Teams still have to want to acquire him because of his play. This season, amid all of the Pelicans' devastating injuries, Green proved that he can still contribute to winning.
He's averaging 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in just under 22 minutes while shooting 48 percent from the field and a career-high 39 percent from deep on 2.6 attempts per game. He also brings relentless, physical, and versatile defense to the floor, capable of matching up against wings, guards, and some big men.
That level of malleability and experience is invaluable to a contender, especially those in need of additional bench depth on their flanks. Between his plug-and-play game, his team-friendly contract, and the Pelicans' situation, there's no reason that New Orleans shouldn't be able to snag a second-round pick or some kind of compensation in return for Javonte Green ahead of the trade deadline.