With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, Pelicans fans have taken to social media in full trade-machine mode, searching for solutions to a season that has clearly gone off the rails. One idea that floated across my timeline was the Pelicans getting Zach LaVine from Sacramento in a three-team trade. While I don't necessarily agree with the three-team framework, I do think LaVine to New Orleans is a concept worth exploring, so shoutout to my guy @cheddachaz on X for the idea.
The Pelicans' 13-38 record can be chalked up to multiple issues, but two of the biggest are the team's spacing problems and a lack of reliable scoring. Coincidentally, those are LaVine’s greatest strengths. If the front office plans to retain most of its core past the deadline, like reports suggest, adding a proven scorer in LaVine, who at 30 years old is still averaging an impressive 19.8 points per game, could be a smart decision.
The Kings’ breaking point with LaVine is a chance for the Pelicans to capitalize
For much of the season, Zach LaVine’s body language, defensive engagement, and overall energy have drawn criticism in Sacramento. Whether fair or not, the perception among fans is that his heart no longer appears fully in it, a frustration that boiled over early in the season when a season ticket holder publicly called him out during a game for repeatedly missing defensive assignments.
That disconnect seems to extend beyond the fan base. Multiple reports around the league have suggested that Sacramento’s front office is actively shopping LaVine ahead of the deadline, suggesting a mutual interest in a fresh start for both sides.
The framework of a potential deal would center around sending Dejounte Murray to Sacramento, with Kevon Looney and Jordan Hawkins included to help balance salary. From the Kings’ perspective, Murray would address their growing need for a starting-caliber point guard following Saturday’s trade that sent Dennis Schröder to Cleveland.
While Sacramento would take on an additional year of term by swapping Murray for LaVine, they would significantly reduce next season’s salary commitment, as Murray is set to make nearly $17 million less. Sure, LaVine's near $49 million salary is a big price point, but it's only for one season, and his production when given the chance is still elite. On Sunday, he was the focus of Sacramento's offense, and he went off for 35 points on 50 percent shooting.
What the team has missed all season is a true closer. While Trey Murphy III has taken steps toward becoming that guy for New Orleans, the absence of Brandon Ingram is still felt in late-game situations. Bringing in LaVine would be like bringing back Ingram, but with a better positional fit. He's very much one of those players you can give the ball to in a two-point game and say, take us home.
Bringing in LaVine would not only be a good move for this season, as surrounding both Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears with as many shot makers as possible is crucial for their development. Looking ahead, bringing in LaVine would seriously change the outlook for next season. A lineup of Fears, LaVine, Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Queen presents a balanced and dangerous offensive attack that could make real noise in the Western Conference.