Entering the Trade Deadline, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a solid seventh position in the Western Conference with a record of 18-14. This places them in a strategic position to potentially be buyers in the market, looking to capitalize on a season where Zion Williamson is healthy and has played in 27 out of 32 games.
The opportunity to contend is evident, and the Pelicans could make significant moves to strengthen their roster and enhance their prospects. With a combination of a competitive roster and the availability of Williamson, the Pelicans have a chance to make strategic moves and solidify their position as serious contenders in the Western Conference. The Trade Deadline presents a key window for the Pelicans to optimize their chances and make impactful additions to bolster their campaign.
Trade Candidates
– Jonas Valanciunas ($15.4M), Larry Nance Jr. ($10.3M), Dyson Daniels ($5.7M), Kira Lewis ($5.7M), Naji Marshall ($1.9M)
Despite posting solid numbers of 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, Jonas Valanciunas could be a trade candidate for the Pelicans due to the team’s need for more versatility and perimeter shooting around Zion Williamson. While his rebounding and scoring in the paint are valuable, the Pelicans might explore options to acquire a stretch big man who can open up the floor. Valanciunas’ contract, although sizeable, could also be a valuable asset in potential trade negotiations as his roles has seen a decrease lately.
Larry Nance’s contributions of 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 points, and 0.9 steals per game are commendable, but his departure could be considered if the Pelicans seek to address specific positional needs or bolster their offensive output. With the team potentially looking for more scoring options, Nance’s defensive skills might not be enough to secure his spot, especially if they receive an appealing trade offer that aligns with their long-term goals.
As a sophomore, Dyson Daniels has shown promise with averages of 5.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. However, in the quest for immediate impact or veteran presence, the Pelicans might consider moving Daniels if a trade package can bring in a more seasoned player who can contribute significantly in the short term. This move would reflect the team’s balancing act between developing young talent and competing at a higher level. Since he lacks an offensive game and New Orleans has plenty of guards, he could be an interesting piece for another team in a trade.
Kira Lewis’ 3.1 points, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 rebounds per game do not fully meet the team’s expectations for a backup point guard that has been relegated to a lesser role every season. The Pelicans could explore trading Lewis to address other areas of need, such as perimeter defense or additional scoring off the bench. Moving Lewis might be part of a strategy to acquire a more experienced playmaker who can provide stability and leadership in crucial moments since he is still young but never developed how the franchise expected and will not be extended this summer per reports.
Although his contributions of 8.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game have been valuable for the team, Naji Marshall’s relatively low salary makes him an attractive trade asset for teams looking to add depth without taking on a significant financial burden. The Pelicans might consider trading Marshall if it allows them to make other moves to enhance the roster, particularly if they target players who can contribute immediately in key areas where the team needs improvement.
Realistic Targets
– Jarrett Allen ($20.0M), Myles Turner ($20.9M), Trae Young ($40.0M), Alex Caruso ($9.4M), Dennis Schroder ($12.4M)
With impressive stats of 14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game, Jarrett Allen stands out as a realistic target for the Pelicans. His ability to protect the rim and contribute on both ends of the floor could address the team’s need for a reliable center. Allen’s salary aligns with the Pelicans’ trade assets, making him a viable target to fortify their frontcourt and provide a long-term solution at the center position.
Potential Trade Package: Jonas Valanciunas, Naji Marshall, 2024 first-round pick (via Bucks)
Myles Turner’s well-rounded game, averaging 17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and showcasing a 36.6% three-point shooting, makes him an intriguing trade target. The Pelicans, in search of defensive presence and floor spacing, could benefit significantly from Turner’s skill set. If the Pacers are open to dealing Turner in his best individual season of the last couple of years, the Pelicans might explore this option to elevate their defensive capabilities and add versatility to their frontcourt.
Potential Trade Package: Jonas Valanciunas, Kira Lewis, 2025 first-round pick (via Bucks)
While a blockbuster trade for Trae Young would be ambitious, the Pelicans could pursue him given his outstanding season averages of 28.3 points, 11.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds. Young’s scoring and playmaking would provide a significant boost to the Pelicans’ backcourt, potentially forming a dynamic duo with Zion Williamson. The high cost and the willingness of the Hawks to part with their star player would be key factors in making this trade a reality, but as Atlanta stands 11th in the East with a record of 12-19, a roster blowup doesn’t seem too far away in the distance.
Potential Trade Package: C.J. McCollum, Herb Jones, 2024 first-round pick, 2026 first-round pick
Alex Caruso’s contributions of 10.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and an impressive 45.5% three-point shooting in Chicago make him an appealing target for the Pelicans. With the Bulls looking to rebuild, Caruso’s availability is pretty much guaranteed. His defensive prowess and ability to space the floor align with the team’s needs. Acquiring Caruso could enhance the Pelicans’ guard rotation, providing a reliable option as a starter or off the bench and contributing to their overall defensive efforts alongside a scoring guard like CJ McCollum.
Potential Trade Package: Dyson Daniels, EJ Liddell, 2024 first-round pick (via Lakers)
Dennis Schroder’s solid season averages of 14.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds position him as a viable trade target for the Pelicans. In the quest for a playmaking guard, Schroder could be the answer since the Raptors are open to trading their best players. His ability to create scoring opportunities and facilitate the offense might address the team’s concerns in the backcourt. The Pelicans could pursue Schroder as a strategic addition to their roster, providing stability and experience at the point guard position with McCollum in a scoring role as a shooting guard.
Potential Trade Package: Dyson Daniels, Kira Lewis, 2024 second-round
Untouchable Players
– Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy III
The cornerstone of the Pelicans, Zion Williamson, is undoubtedly untouchable. With an impressive stat line of 22.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, along with a remarkable 58.2% field goal percentage, Zion is the focal point of the team’s present and future. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes him a franchise player, and the Pelicans are committed to building around him for sustained success.
Another key piece of the Pelicans’ core, Brandon Ingram, is deemed untouchable. Ingram’s well-rounded game is evident in his averages of 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game while maintaining an efficient 50.1% field goal percentage. As an All-Star caliber player, Ingram complements Zion’s playing style and forms a formidable duo. The Pelicans see Ingram as a crucial part of their championship aspirations, making him off-limits in any trade discussions.
The young and promising Trey Murphy III has shown immense potential in his rookie season. With averages of 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 12 games coming off an injury in the offseason, along with an impressive shooting efficiency of 47.2% from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc, Murphy has quickly become an integral part of the Pelicans’ future plans. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends of the court solidifies his untouchable status as a key building block for the team’s long-term success.
