3 Reeling teams that the Pelicans could take advantage of in trades

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high hopes. They had made a return to the playoffs the year prior, behind the healthiest campaign of Zion Williamson's career in which he played 70 games. With Zion showing off a notably slimmed-down body and the Pelicans trading for Dejounte Murray in the offseason, they presented themselves as dark-horse contenders, even with their obvious roster flaws.

The main concerns were depth and center play. There's always a fear of injuries with Zion on the team, but the Pelicans appeared better equipped to handle extended absences from Z than ever. Unfortunately, they didn't expect almost the entirety of the team to get injured.

Now, New Orleans is an underperforming team with a collection of desirable veterans. That makes them a likely team to be involved in the trade market. They're not the only squad that's underwhelmed this season, though. The Pelicans could be sellers at the deadline, but, if they wanted to be buyers, there are a handful of other struggling teams from which they could scavenge.

These teams could become trade partners for the New Orleans Pelicans

1. Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks came into this season with ever loftier expectations than the Pelicans. They're now in their second year with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Their first campaign together didn't end well due to injuries, including a nagging one along with some off-court issues for Dame.

This year was supposed to be the season where Dame and Giannis proved that they were capable of as a duo. So far, it looks like they're only capable of leading a lottery team. The Bucks are currently 5-9. They're not far off from the playoff picture in a weakened Eastern Conference, but it hasn't looked good for them.

Milwaukee is also extremely strapped for cash, currently sitting over the second apron. By the trade deadline, if they're not able to turn things around, the Bucks might be desperate for cap relief. They probably won't be willing to deal the Greek Freak or Dame just yet, but there are a few veterans on the team that could help the Pelicans.

2. Philadelphia 76ers

Like the Bucks, the Philadelphia 76ers came into the year with championship aspirations. Joel Embiid had another monster season in 2023-24 and went to Paris to learn from some of the greatest players in the history of the game at the Summer Olympics. The Sixers also traded for Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers, forming a new Big 3 with him, Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey.

Like the Pelicans, Philadelphia also started off extremely slow due to a flurry of injuries. Both Embiid and PG were out to begin the year and then Maxey also landed on the injury report. It took weeks until they had their entire trio available at the same time. Unfortunately, even with everyone back, Embiid has struggled to find his footing and the team hasn't gelled the way the Sixers have hoped.

They're currently 2-11 and dead last in the East. The Sixers are absolutely loaded with win-now, desirable veterans like Caleb Martin, Kelly Oubre, and Andre Drummond. If they can't find their groove by the deadline, they may be looking to shake things up around their new Big 3.

3. Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers didn't have the same expectations as the Sixers and the Bucks, nor are they struggling to the same extent. That said, they did make a move to accelerate their timeline by trading for Pascal Siakam last season, and they certainly haven't looked like legitimate title contenders so far.

The Pacers are a one-dimensional team that's built around the breakneck, run-and-gun style of Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton has struggled heavily as a scorer this season, though, and it's dragged down Indiana. They might be rethinking their offense-only philosophy by the trade deadline. If that's the case, they should have plenty of valuable players for sale like Myles Turner and TJ McConnell that could significantly help the Pelicans.