The New Orleans Pelicans had a promising 2024 season, finishing with a 49-33 record, their best in 15 years, securing the eighth seed in the highly competitive Western Conference. Despite strong regular season performances from their key players, the Pelicans were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting their need for a reliable point guard.
Zion Williamson led the team with 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, showcasing his dominance when healthy. Brandon Ingram had an impressive season, averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, while CJ McCollum contributed with 20.0 points and 4.6 assists per game. Yet, the playoffs exposed a critical weakness: the lack of a true floor general. McCollum, primarily a shooting guard, struggled to provide the necessary playmaking, averaging just 4.8 assists and committing 4.0 turnovers per game in the series against the Thunder.
The Pelicans will be exploring various trade options to address this need. With promising young players and future draft picks, New Orleans is well-positioned to make impactful moves. David Griffin, the team’s Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, has hinted at significant changes, indicating a willingness to be aggressive in the trade market. A blockbuster point guard trade could transform the Pelicans into serious contenders next year.
1. Dejounte Murray
Possible Trade Offer For Dejounte Murray: CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, 2025 first-round pick (Bucks), 2026 first-round pick
Dejounte Murray would be an ideal fit for the New Orleans Pelicans, providing the team with a dynamic, defensive-minded point guard who can also contribute significantly on the offensive end. In the 2024 season, Murray averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His defensive prowess, highlighted by 1.4 steals per game, would greatly benefit a Pelicans team that ranked 18th in opponent points per game.
Murray’s addition would address several key issues for the Pelicans. Firstly, his playmaking ability would take pressure off Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, allowing them to focus more on scoring and less on facilitating. With Murray running the offense, the Pelicans would have a reliable floor general who can set up his teammates and create scoring opportunities.
Defensively, Murray would elevate the Pelicans’ backcourt, providing a much-needed boost in perimeter defense. His length and agility make him a formidable defender against opposing guards, which would be crucial in a conference filled with elite guard talent.
To acquire Murray, the Pelicans could offer CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, and two future first-round picks (2025 via Bucks and 2026). This trade gives the Atlanta Hawks a proven scorer in McCollum, who averaged 20.0 points and 4.6 assists per game, and a versatile defender in Jones, known for his ability to guard multiple positions effectively. The two first-round picks add significant future value to the deal, making it an attractive package for the Hawks, who may be looking to retool their roster.
For the Pelicans, this trade balances the need for immediate improvement and future flexibility. Losing McCollum would be offset by Murray’s overall impact on both ends of the floor. Herb Jones’ departure would be a blow to their defense, but Murray’s defensive skills would help mitigate that loss.
2. Darius Garland
Possible Trade Offer For Darius Garland: Dyson Daniels, Herb Jones, Jordan Hawkins, Larry Nance Jr.
Darius Garland would be a transformative acquisition for the New Orleans Pelicans, offering a young, elite playmaker who can score efficiently and distribute the ball effectively. In the 2024 season, Garland averaged 18.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.6% from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc. His ability to create offense for himself and his teammates would greatly enhance the Pelicans’ offense.
Garland’s skill set perfectly complements the talents of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. His proficiency in pick-and-roll situations would create numerous scoring opportunities for Williamson, while his outside shooting ability would space the floor, giving Ingram more room to operate. Garland’s vision and passing skills would help maximize the offensive potential of the Pelicans, making them a more versatile and dangerous team.
Defensively, Garland has shown improvement, and while he is not known as a lockdown defender, his offensive contributions far outweigh his defensive limitations. His quickness and ability to read the game would still provide value on the defensive end, especially in a system that emphasizes team defense.
To acquire Garland, the Pelicans could offer Dyson Daniels, Herb Jones, Jordan Hawkins, and Larry Nance Jr. This trade package provides the Cleveland Cavaliers with a mix of young talent and veteran presence. Dyson Daniels is a promising young guard with potential on both ends of the floor. Herb Jones is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, and Jordan Hawkins adds shooting and scoring off the bench. Larry Nance Jr. brings veteran leadership and frontcourt depth.
This package gives the Cavaliers a chance to build around their core with additional young assets while maintaining a competitive balance. For the Pelicans, parting with these players would be significant, but the acquisition of Garland’s talent and potential would justify the cost.
3. Marcus Smart
Possible Trade Offer For Marcus Smart: Dyson Daniels, Jonas Valanciunas
Marcus Smart would be a game-changer for the New Orleans Pelicans, bringing much-needed grit, defensive prowess, and leadership. Known for his tenacity and versatility, Smart can guard multiple positions and is a proven winner, having been a crucial part of the Boston Celtics’ deep playoff runs before joining the Memphis Grizzlies. In the 2024 season with the Grizzlies, Smart averaged 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds over 20 games, but his tenure there didn’t go as planned, with Memphis struggling to find consistency and ultimately falling short of their playoff aspirations.
Smart’s addition would address two critical areas for the Pelicans: defense and veteran leadership. His defensive skills are top-notch; he was the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and is known for his ability to disrupt opponents. Smart’s fierce competitiveness and experience in high-stakes games would instill a winning mentality in a young Pelicans squad. Offensively, Smart’s playmaking would take the pressure off Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, allowing them to focus more on their scoring.
To land Smart, the Pelicans would need to offer Dyson Daniels and Jonas Valanciunas in a sign-and-trade deal. Valanciunas, who averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in 2024, is a reliable center who can score and rebound efficiently. His current free-agent situation makes him a prime candidate for a sign-and-trade, providing the Grizzlies with a solid frontcourt presence they can rely on.
Bringing in Marcus Smart would instantly make the Pelicans tougher and more resilient. His defensive intensity and ability to lead by example would set the tone for the team, while his playmaking skills would enhance the offensive flow. Smart’s experience in critical playoff moments would be invaluable for a Pelicans team eager to advance past the first round.
4. Tyus Jones
Possible Trade Offer For Tyus Jones: Dyson Daniels, Jonas Valanciunas
Tyus Jones would be a great pickup for the Pelicans, offering solid playmaking and efficiency. As a free agent, Jones is expected to draw attention for his steady hand at the point guard spot. This past season with the Washington Wizards, he averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. His ability to run an offense smoothly and make smart decisions on the court would be a big plus for New Orleans.
Jones’ current contract was a two-year, $29 million deal, with him earning $15 million in 2022 and $14 million in 2023. For a sign-and-trade, the Wizards could offer Jones a similar or slightly increased deal, likely around $15-18 million per year over three or four years. This would provide Jones with a fair market value contract while allowing the Wizards to gain valuable assets in return.
Jones’ knack for orchestrating an offense would be perfect for the Pelicans. They need someone reliable to set up plays and keep things running smoothly. With his great assist-to-turnover ratio, Jones would help reduce mistakes and improve efficiency. This would allow Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to focus more on scoring and less on handling the ball.
Getting Tyus Jones would solve a major problem for the Pelicans by giving them a steady point guard. His playmaking and leadership would help the team play more cohesively. Jones would also provide solid defense and make the team more balanced overall. With him leading the offense, the Pelicans could become a more dangerous playoff contender. This trade could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Pelicans’ roster, making them a stronger team in the tough Western Conference.
5. Malcolm Brogdon
Possible Trade Offer For Malcolm Brogdon: Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., 2025 first-round pick (via Bucks)
Malcolm Brogdon could be a game-changer for the Pelicans, adding veteran leadership and versatility to the backcourt. In the 2024 season, Brogdon averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 39 games, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Known for his efficiency and high basketball IQ, Brogdon would fit well with the Pelicans’ young core.
Brogdon’s experience and versatility make him an ideal addition to the Pelicans. He can play both guard positions, providing flexibility in the lineup. His scoring ability, combined with his playmaking skills, would take pressure off Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Brogdon’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc (38.6% for his career) would help space the floor, giving the Pelicans’ stars more room to operate.
Defensively, Brogdon is a solid presence, capable of guarding multiple positions. His experience and leadership would be invaluable for a Pelicans team looking to make a deeper playoff run. Brogdon’s calm demeanor and clutch performances would provide stability in high-pressure situations.
Bringing in Malcolm Brogdon would immediately elevate the Pelicans’ backcourt. His balanced game would complement the talents of Williamson and Ingram, making the team more dynamic and difficult to defend. Brogdon’s leadership and experience would help guide the young Pelicans through the rigors of a playoff run, potentially pushing them into deeper postseason success.
Overall, Brogdon’s addition would address multiple needs for the Pelicans, from playmaking and scoring to defense and leadership. This trade would make the Pelicans a more well-rounded and competitive team in the Western Conference, capable of challenging the top teams.
