The New Orleans Pelicans will almost definitely be involved in some capacity at the trade deadline. It's only a matter of 'how much?'. We know that the franchise would prefer to be heavily active, as the team has chosen to reset their roster around a few young prospects rather than continue on their previous path.
Just because the Pelicans have made most of their players available for trade doesn't mean they'll get a lot of deals done. With just over a week left until the trade deadline, there's been a concerning lack of buzz surrounding New Orleans considering the sheer amount of talent they've placed on the block. Hopefully, the organization has been moving in silence and has some blockbuster moves in their back pocket.
At the least, we know that the Pelicans are going to do something. As a franchise, New Orleans has never once paid the luxury tax. Currently, their payroll is a tick over $2 million above the luxury tax line. This issue could resolve itself at the trade deadline without the front office needing to actively find a way to duck the tax. If not, though, there are several moves the team could make solely to shed the salary needed to be under the threshold. Apparently, there are several playoff contenders interested in one of the Pelicans' veterans which gives New Orleans plenty of options.
Several NBA teams reportedly interested in trading for Pelicans' JaVonte Green
According to Spotrac, New Orleans is $2,111,937 over the luxury tax line. Luckily for the Pelicans, they have several minimum contracts on the roster that they should easily be able to deal in order to create the financial wiggle room they're seeking.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Daniel Theis, and Javonte Green are all playing on base salaries over $2.1 million. Trading one of them for draft capital would cook the books for the Pelicans to allow them to dodge the dreaded luxury tax once again.
While New Orleans has plenty of options for who they could trade to get to where they want to be on the ledger, Javonte Green has to be the most likely option to go. Out of those four players, he could immediately contribute for the most teams, especially for playoff teams who'd be interested in sending out a second-round pick or two to add some veteran depth.
Pretty much any squad with an outside shot at the title should at least consider sending New Orleans some draft assets in exchange for Green's experience, defensive versatility, grit, and improved 3-point shooting. Per ClutchPoints's Brett Siegel, several playoff-bound teams have already inquired about his availability: the Boston Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Denver Nuggets, and the New York Knicks.
Any of those franchises should be able to scrounge up a package to land Green at the deadline. The Pelicans will make out like thieves after signing Javonte to a minimum deal and flipping him for a second-round pick or two while also ducking the tax once again.