The New Orleans Pelicans are entering the 2025-26 season with a deep and well-rounded collection of players. However, if there was one area this team could improve, it would be their wing depth. To be more specific, the Pelicans should look to add a versatile defensive wing, as outside of Herb Jones, this squad is lacking a point of attack defender.
The Pelicans may have just found their answer to this problem after NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Dallas Mavericks are looking to trade Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
O-Max is an exciting young wing who provides a ton on both ends of the floor. He is a very good on-ball defender and can help generate turnovers in the passing lanes. Prosper is also a great athlete and could one day develop into a knockdown outside shooter.
The Mavericks have an overwhelming amount of depth at the wing/forward spot, making it a no-brainer to start shopping Prosper as they don't have the minutes to develop him. With Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, Naji Marshall, and Caleb Martin all playing ahead of him, it's in both the Mavericks and Prosper's best interest to go their separate ways.
What Dallas does need is guard play. With Kyrie Irving expected to miss all of next season, the Mavs need all the help they can get at point guard. The addition of D'Angelo Russell was a good one, but outside of him, they are still extremely thin.
This is something the Pelicans could help with, as they have an overwhelming amount of guard play when healthy and should be interested in taking a chance on Prosper.
Parting ways with a fan favorite
I know no Pelicans fan wants to hear this, but Jose Alvarado is this team's most valuable trade chip and would be exactly what the Mavericks are looking for in an O-Max trade.
Jose would be a perfect fit for the Mavericks as they are trying to build a defensive juggernaut. Alvarado would be just another gritty hustle defender adding to their already stacked defensive personnel. Aside from just fitting their style of play, Alvarado would also give the Mavs a true backup point guard—someone they can trust to come in and run the show when Russell is on the bench.
With the additions of Jeremiah Fears and Jordan Poole this offseason, the Pelicans have a ton of point guard depth in the future. With Alvarado potentially being a free agent next summer, it's crucial for New Orleans to move on from him before he walks away for nothing.
While trading a proven guard like Jose for unproven young talent may sound like a crazy risk, it's one Joe Dumars should be willing to take. Prosper has incredible defensive tools, and although his offensive game still needs work, surrounding him with the Pelicans' offensive talent will make it easier to hide his struggles.