The New Orleans Pelicans were swept in the first round of the playoffs at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder and it is obvious their core has not lived up to expectations. Zion Williamson is considered untouchable because he is only 23 years old and only needs to lose weight to get to a superstar level for the foreseeable future. However, the same cannot be said for Brandon Ingram and the rest of the Pelicans roster.
Ingram had a great regular season by averaging 20.8 points and 5.7 assists per game but his numbers dropped in the playoffs, averaging only 14.3 points and 3.3 assists. The forward is almost 27 years old and might be better off with another team as the Pelicans look to rebuild around Zion.
Luckily for the Pelicans, there is a way they can re-create what Chris Paul and Blake Griffin did in Los Angeles by creating a Lob City 2.0 in New Orleans that could actually win the NBA title next year. The way they do that is by acquiring superstar point guard Trae Young and also targeting forgotten center Deandre Ayton.
A Blockbuster Trade For Trae Young
The first step to creating Lob City 2.0 is finding the point guard to feed Zion Williamson down low and the answer is Trae Young.
Trade Details
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: C.J. McCollum, Trey Murphy III, Jordan Hawkins, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
The blockbuster trade involving Trae Young heading to the New Orleans Pelicans signifies a bold move toward creating what could be Lob City 2.0. Despite being criticized for his usage-heavy style of play and also having an uncertain future in Atlanta, Young is an exceptionally talented point guard whose elite passing and scoring abilities make him the ideal architect for this envisioned offensive scheme. Despite playing on a bad team this season, Young averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game on 37.3% shooting from deep.
Young’s prowess in distributing the ball, coupled with his knack for scoring from various spots on the court, positions him as a cornerstone player capable of elevating the performance of those around him—most notably, Zion Williamson.
With Young orchestrating the offense, Zion is poised to flourish even further. Young’s ability to command attention from defenders and create opportunities for his teammates through his court vision and passing acumen will undoubtedly open up new avenues for Zion to showcase his offensive arsenal. The lobs to Zion would make constant highlight reels and certainly place New Orleans on the map as must-see television, similar to the Lob City Clippers.
Moreover, Young’s youth and potential for growth ensure that this partnership is not just a short-term fix but rather a long-term investment in the Pelicans’ future success. He is only 25 years old and will only improve when it comes to controlling the ball and creating for his teammates.
Furthermore, while Young’s offensive contributions are undeniable, concerns regarding his defensive capabilities have been raised. However, the Pelicans can mitigate this potential weakness by surrounding him with defensive-minded players, such as Herbert Jones, who has shown promise as an All-Defensive caliber talent.
In essence, the acquisition of Trae Young represents a significant step forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, as they strive to construct a more formidable team in the competitive Western Conference. With Young at the helm, supported by a talent like Zion Williamson, the Pelicans have the first step done in Lob City 2.0.
Adding A Second Lob Star In The Paint
The next step to Lob City 2.0 is targeting forgotten center Deandre Ayton who was part of a Finals team in the 2020-21 season and also the athletic Shaedon Sharpe.
Trade Details
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Deandre Ayton, Shaedon Sharpe, 2029 First-Round Pick (from Boston)
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Brandon Ingram
In the pursuit of solidifying Lob City 2.0, the New Orleans Pelicans are eyeing the acquisition of Deandre Ayton and Shaedon Sharpe to complement their new roster. The centerpiece of this proposed trade is Ayton, whose experience as a starting center for the Phoenix Suns during their 2021 Finals run brings invaluable playoff-tested grit to the Pelicans’ frontcourt.
Despite criticisms regarding his consistency and intensity, Ayton’s ability to finish around the rim and secure rebounds makes him a formidable presence in the paint—a perfect fit for the Lob City 2.0 blueprint. His offensive prowess, particularly in catching and converting alley-oops, mirrors the style that defined Lob City’s success in the past, albeit with a modern twist. Ayton averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game this season and is only 25 years old.
Pairing Ayton with Zion Williamson forms a formidable frontcourt duo that promises to pose significant matchup challenges for opposing defenses. The combination of Ayton’s finishing ability and Zion’s explosive athleticism creates a dynamic inside presence that is sure to keep defenders on their toes.
Alongside Ayton, the Pelicans are also set to acquire Shaedon Sharpe—a young, athletic prospect whose aerial prowess aligns perfectly with the Lob City ethos. While he may be initially known for his dunking abilities, Sharpe’s trajectory mirrors that of players like Zach LaVine, who evolved from dunk contest contenders to All-Star caliber performers. With Trae Young orchestrating the offense and pulling the strings, Sharpe has the opportunity to flourish and expand his game beyond just being a dunker.
In exchange for these assets, the Portland Trail Blazers would receive Brandon Ingram—a talented scorer whose departure opens up opportunities for the Pelicans to reshape their roster and fully embrace the Lob City 2.0 vision. Losing him won’t be easy and neither will parting ways with a third first-round pick in this rebuild, but it has to be done to take that next step forward.Â
With Ayton and Sharpe joining forces with Zion Williamson under the guidance of Trae Young, the Pelicans are primed to usher in a new era of high-flying, electrifying basketball that pays homage to the Lob City legacy with incredible finishers.
The Pelicans Create The Most Athletic Lineup In The NBA Known as Lob City 2.0
In crafting what could be deemed the most athletic lineup in the NBA with the creation of Lob City 2.0, the New Orleans Pelicans have positioned themselves at the forefront of the league’s elite. The acquisition of Trae Young, Deandre Ayton, and Shaedon Sharpe injects a dynamic energy into the Pelicans’ lineup, setting the stage for a thrilling display of high-flying basketball.
With Zion Williamson anchoring the frontcourt alongside Ayton and supported by the playmaking wizardry of Young, the Pelicans boast a formidable combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ that few teams can match. Herbert Jones can also continue his elite defensive play as he takes steps forward since he is only 25 years old.
What sets the Pelicans apart is not only their individual talents but also their collective potential to form a cohesive unit that embodies the spirit of Lob City 2.0. While other teams in the Western Conference may boast star power or individual talent, none can rival the sheer athleticism and above-the-rim prowess that the Pelicans possess. Teams like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Thunder may argue for having the best player on the court, but the Pelicans counter with a well-rounded lineup capable of scoring with the best of them.
