Ranking 5 potential offseason trade partners for the Pelicans

3. Detroit Pistons

There's a large tier break between San Antonio and Detroit. The Pistons have a nice mix of young assets and draft picks to trade for Ingram or McCollum that make the Motor City a sexier destination for one or both of the Pelicans' duo. Add in the appointment of Trajan Langdon to the Pistons' front office and there's a clear path to a deal between the two.

Any deal between the two teams has to center around Jaden Ivey and/or the sixth overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft that the Pistons own.

Ivey was drafted to be a secondary ball handler behind rising star Cade Cunningham, but the fit has been clunky. Ivey's inability to space the floor at an elite level limits his ceiling as a second banana in a back court, but making him a primary creator in New Orleans could unlock his game. Ivey boasts elite athleticism and a propensity for highlights around the rim. Pairing him with a lob threat like Zion and shooters like Jones and Murphy could be a nice fit in the Big Easy.

If New Orleans isn't a fan of Ivey, the sixth overall pick could entice the Pelicans. A rim protector at the top of the draft (Donovan Clingan?) could slot into the vacancy left by Jonas Valanciunas, assuming New Orleans doesn't retain their incumbent center.

Ingram or McCollum would both be a boost to the Pistons young roster. Like San Antonio, Detroit is in need of a calming veteran presence on the floor and both current Pelicans could bring that to Detroit.