At 8-21 on the season, the New Orleans Pelicans are in a position to finish dead last in the Western Conference.
After the Pels failed to make any significant roster changes in the offseason, Zion Williamson’s absence has killed any hope of a successful season.
But now, according to Mike Scotto of HoopsHype, New Orleans is apparently working to strike a big-time deal behind the scenes that could change the course of their future.
Perhaps even more interesting is that trade talks so far have not yet included Williamson or his co-star, Brandon Ingram.
I heard the Pelicans discussed trading future first-round picks and pick swaps with the 76ers for Ben Simmons, league sources told HoopsHype. Brandon Ingram was not involved in the talks, I’m told, at least as of now. With Zion Williamson’s latest injury setback, it’s unclear how that could move the needle for the Pelicans in their efforts to land Simmons.
The Pelicans and 76ers discussed a trade for Ben Simmons that included draft picks and pick swaps — Brandon Ingram and Zion were not mentioned, via @MikeAScotto.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 15, 2021
Since the summer, Daryl Morey and the front office have been adamant about getting a top-25 player in return for any Simmons deal. This demand has led to an expectedly low amount of interest from teams around the league.
Scotto’s report seems to contradict that behavior. For Ingram’s name not to surface in these talks suggests that a third team could be involved or that the Sixers might have some new plan up their sleeve. Of course, it might also be true that Ingram’s name could be mentioned in the future, as negotiations progress.
Whatever the case, fans can’t help but imagine what a Simmons, Zion, and Ingram trio could do. Between Ingram’s shooting, Zion’s athleticism, and Ben’s playmaking, they’d be an absolute force on the offensive end.
And for a team that desperately needs some life, that sort of trade is an opportunity they can’t pass up.
