Ranking 5 potential offseason trade partners for the Pelicans
By Matt Alquiza
2. Atlanta Hawks
If there was a large tier break between San Antonio and Detroit, there is an ocean of one between Detroit and Atlanta. The final two teams in this ranking sit on a pedestal when it comes to trade partners for the Pelicans.
Atlanta is ready-made for a deal. The Hawks are likely to shop one of Dejounte Murray and Trae Young this summer, and retain the other. Either one would be a massive upgrade in the Pelicans' back court.
If a trade is swung for either Hawks guard, Brandon Ingram would be the target for Atlanta. Combining Ingram, Young/Murray, and the number one overall pick in the 2024 draft would give Atlanta a solid present and a promising future. On the New Orleans side of things, Murray and Young would give the Pelicans a weapon in the backcourt they've lacked.
The Pelicans offense in their first round playoff series against Oklahoma City was abysmal. Zion Williamson's absence was the main reason for their playoff stinker, but New Orleans got nothing out of the other 2/3 of their big three. Young or Murray would slot nicely alongside Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III and add a dynamic to the Pelicans offense that could help them advance through the guantlet that is the Western Conference.