The New Orleans Pelicans have had a poor start to the 24-25 season, losing their 22nd game tonight against the Indiana Pacers 104-119. The Pelicans’ 5-22 record on the season is the worst in the West, already ending any potential 2025 Playoff hopes.
The team’s lack of success might lead to a reshaping, with Marc Stein reporting that all players on their roster except Herb Jones, Yves Missi, and Trey Murphy III are expected to be available for trade.
“While naturally resistant to trade inquiries for their younger gems — Herb Jones, rookie Yves Missi, and Trey Murphy III — word is that the Pelicans are essentially open to trade pitches for pretty much anyone else on the roster apart from those three amid a 5-21 start and more injury woes than even Philadelphia.”
This makes sense for the franchise, as these three players could be integral pieces in whatever the new-look Pelicans might look like next season.
Herb has struggled with injuries this season, with the All-Defensive First Team selection averaging 11.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals this season. Trey Murphy has also been injured and is averaging 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Yves Missi has been a solid rookie big, averaging 9.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks.
Jones has reportedly already generated interest from teams like the Dallas Mavericks, with the 3-and-D stopper arguably the most valuable player on the roster right now. Trey Murphy would also carry similar value but he has a fresh contract extension which would be foolish to move on from right now. Missi is a project that likely won’t get offers on the open market right now anyway.
Brandon Ingram‘s injuries and expiring contract make him less than ideal unless some team is willing to make him a half-season rental for a championship push. Zion Williamson‘s injury issues are well-known and the Pelicans will be lucky to get a team to send them assets for the always-injured superstar.
There’s no clear market for Ingram yet, but teams like the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, and Atlanta Hawks could afford to take a low-risk flier on a scorer of his caliber. Williamson hasn’t been floated in trade rumors yet, primarily due to his injury concerns, but if he’s available on the market, a team like the Miami Heat or Charlotte Hornets could have compelling trade offers for him.
Dejounte Murray was acquired by the franchise this summer, but he could be traded immediately if someone offers them a similar price, including two first-round picks and two solid players, which seems unlikely for the winter. The same goes for CJ McCollum, who would not fetch a big asset return due to his age and one-dimensional style of play.
It’ll be interesting to see what players generate enough interest on the open market for the Pelicans to recoup some assets to rebuild and return to the Playoffs next year. But by protecting the players that most contenders would want as the final accompanying piece, it seems they are limiting what they can get in trades, especially for their star players on bigger contracts and lesser trade interest.
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