The New Orleans Pelicans' loss Monday night to the New York Knicks was their fourth in a row, and with their losing streak growing, the possibility of them becoming sellers at the trade deadline is increasing. While many fans immediately focus on names like Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Herb Jones when discussing potential trade candidates, I believe Saddiq Bey is actually the most realistic and likely player the Pelicans could move.
When Bey was acquired as part of the Jordan Poole-CJ McCollum swap this offseason, many people initially viewed him as a throw-in piece in the trade. That being said, his production to start this season has been far more impactful than just a throw-in.
Bey has always been a solid role player, but year after year, he struggled to be an efficient threat, which hasn't been a problem during his time in New Orleans. In December, Bey is averaging 17.8 points and 2.3 assists while shooting 44.9 percent from the floor. Those numbers alone make him appealing on the trade market, but the traits contending team's value go beyond scoring.
Despite playing on a struggling team, Bey brings consistent effort, professionalism, and defensive engagement every night. He uses his frame and size on the defensive end to force offensive players to make decisions from difficult angles. He's also been a possession extender all season, averaging 5.8 rebounds per game in December, 1.6 of which are coming on the offensive glass. Having a wing who can rebound at the level Bey has this season is something every contending team is looking for.
Bey can be a scoring spark plug
We saw Monday night that when the Pelicans’ primary scorers struggled early, Bey could pick up the slack. He had 23 points in the opening quarter of this game, and while he only scored three points the rest of the way, his ability to heat up like a microwave was the reason the Pelicans didn't get blown out at the start of Monday's game.
This isn’t an isolated performance. On December 18 against Houston, Bey played a major role in the Pelicans’ comeback win over the Rockets. He got hot in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 29 points in the final frame alone, and then dropping in 6 more points in overtime. For a role player to be able to take over a game is really rare, and that's why I think he may be this team's most desired asset at the trade deadline.
With Bey being on a very tradeable contract at an annual value of just under $7 million a season, the Pelicans could spark a bidding war if they make him available. Given his production, versatility, and team-friendly deal, Saddiq Bey may end up being New Orleans’ most desirable asset when trade season arrives.