The New Orleans Pelicans are currently in limbo with their 5-23 record for the 2024-25 season. With no signs of improvement in the future, the team is considering shipping away most of their players. This is unfortunate due to the project they have been building for multiple years.
The unreliability of Zion Williamson continues to plague what the team is building. Brandon Ingram is a free agent in the summer of 2025, and he will likely sign for a contender.
Dejounte Murray has not elevated the Pelicans to the next level, which could lead to his involvement in trades. He has been solid with his all-around play with 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game but that has not led to wins.
Per the latest report, the Pelicans might trade CJ McCollum, which could make them one of the most active teams in the market until the February trade deadline.
There is a big chance New Orleans starts a full rebuild, so a fire sale can happen with their most enticing players. This should exclude Herb Jones, Yves Missi, and Trey Murphy III who are considered untouchable.
The Warriors Get Another Superstar Talent With Zion
Potential Trade Offer
Warriors Receive: Zion Williamson
Pelicans Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Lindy Waters III, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
After reports claimed that Williamson is not deemed untouchable anymore, rumors have been swirling around about a potential trade. He will be a massive risk for any team that trades for him, but the upside of getting him is extremely high.
A team that would love to get him is the Golden State Warriors. While the Bay Area team has a decent record at 14-12, they need the upside to elevate their ceiling back to a championship-level team. After all, Stephen Curry is still playing well with averages of 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game.
With a talent like Zion, the Warriors must pay a steep price to acquire him in a trade. Sending Andrew Wiggins is a clear choice due to his contract and a couple of first-round draft picks in 2025 and 2027. Williamson could be a game-changing player with his averages of 22.7 points, eight rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game boosting the Warriors’ strengths.
However, choosing between Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga will be tough for Golden State. Kuminga is the best option to trade because Podziemski will fit well alongside Zion on the team. The last piece should be a fringe rotation player like Lindy Waters III is the final sweetener to finish the proposal.
For the Pelicans, Kuminga will be a good replacement for Williamson. He is averaging 15.3 points per game with room to grow. If he goes to New Orleans, he could become a borderline All-Star, a worthy gamble for the struggling franchise.
Brandon Ingram Joins A Title Contender
Potential Trade Offer
Nuggets Receive: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji
The Denver Nuggets are not having a spectacular season because they are playing below expectations. Although they are branded as one of the biggest contenders in the Western Conference, they currently sit fifth in the standings.
To remedy their issues, a potential trade for Brandon Ingram could be a game-changer for the Nuggets. They want another scorer on the team to pair with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the struggling Jamal Murray.
Ingram could be a big-time addition for the Nuggets, considering he is a versatile offensive player. The one-time All-Star is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in the 24-25 season.
After he refused an extension with the Pelicans, a move away might be the best move, especially if it’s Denver. That could be the production that could elevate the Nuggets into title contention again.
Of course, parting ways with Michael Porter Jr. will be tough because he has been an important player over the past few years. Porter was vital to the 2023 championship, but the Nuggets might be better off with a more refined scorer. Ingram could also provide some relief in the playmaking department for Jokic.
Porter is averaging 18.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He has been decent, but his over-reliance on spot-up jump shots might become his undoing in Denver.
The star power could be the key to the Nuggets winning another championship. Another big reason why they would do this is to get away from Nnaji’s contract. Many were baffled when he got a four-year, $32 million extension because he never had the regular minutes to warrant a long-term deal.
The Dallas Mavericks Get An Elite Defensive Stopper With Herbert Jones
Potential Trade Offer
Mavericks Receive: Herb Jones
Pelicans Receive: Jaden Hardy, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Quentin Grimes, 2025 First-Round Pick
The Dallas Mavericks have been impressive in the 24-25 season, as they are seeking a return to the NBA Finals. They already made it to the NBA Finals in 2024, but they could not get past the titanic Boston Celtics. Since they are building around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, they would love an elite defensive stopper joining them.
That is where Jones comes in, serving as one of the league’s best defenders. Despite being deemed untouchable, a good offer might turn the Pelicans’ heads.
Jones has an average of 12.1 points per game this season, but his impact comes on the defensive end. He gets 1.8 steals per night on average, but his on-ball defense deserves a deeper look.
Herb has no problems getting in a superstar’s face at the point of attack. He is one of the unique players who can guard almost every position at a high level. Since the Mavericks lost to two elite wing players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, getting Jones could be the key to beating a team like that in the Playoffs.
The Pelicans benefit from this by strengthening their asset pool for the long-term future. They are hitting the reset button, as they would love to get back on track with a good plan.
The Lakers Get A Proven Guard With CJ McCollum
Potential Trade Offer
Lakers Receive: CJ McCollum
Pelicans Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Gabe Vincent, 2025 Second-Round (Via Clippers)
The Los Angeles Lakers are always looking for ways to improve. They are having an above-average 24-25 campaign with a 15-12 record, but that does not cut it in the ever-competitive Western Conference.
They could use a reliable guard to run the offense and play off the ball. Many Lakers fans are dissatisfied with what they have seen from D’Angelo Russell. Shipping him away would be optimal, especially when they get a proven player in return, which is similar to the Jazz rumors.
CJ McCollum has always been one of the most underrated players in the league. Getting him on the Lakers roster gives JJ Redick a useful combo guard who could do it all on offense. He is averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season, which could be huge for the Lakeshow.
This is a way for the Pelicans to hit the reset button by letting go of one of their veterans. There is still an upside for Jalen Hood-Schifino, but he and Russell’s contracts expire after the 24-25 season. This is an effective salary dump deal for the Pelicans if they can pull it off while sending CJ to a good destination.
The Complete Pelicans Fire Sale
The Pelicans Trade: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, and CJ McCollum
The Pelicans Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, D’Angelo Russell, Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Zeke Nnaji, Lindy Waters III, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Gabe Vincent, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 2025 First-Round Pick (Mavericks), 2025 First-Round Pick (Warriors), 2027 First-Round Pick (Warriors), 2025 Second-Round Pick (Lakers, Via Clippers)
This fire sale scenario could lead to the Pelicans embarking on a new era. They will get some promising players and awesome draft compensation for the long term.
Jonathan Kuminga is probably the player to break out after the Pelicans fire sale. He has the skills to be a star player with his ever-growing offensive skill set and the upside on the defensive end. Michael Porter Jr. could join him as a top scorer, especially if he can become more versatile on offense.
Jaden Hardy has all the tools to become a mainstay in the Pelicans roster. He is an athletic guard with a good feel for the game. If he gets the opportunities to develop well, he could become a starting-level point guard. The development is also true for Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Jalen Hood-Schifino who have not gotten the opportunities to shine just yet.
Zeke Nnaji could realize his potential at New Orleans, as he still has the athleticism and shooting stroke from the early days at Denver. Waters has shown some flashes of being a good role player at Golden State, so expect him to do the same if he gets a move to New Orleans. Gabe Vincent is always a serviceable point guard who could be a strong option for the Pelicans, while Quentin Grimes is a rock-solid 3-and-D guard.
New Orleans also gets some relief from their contract situation because many of these players are on rookie contracts or expiring deals. Of course, Porter and Wiggins have massive contracts, but they could move him away again in future deals.
In terms of draft compensation, they will be getting two 2025 first-round picks, one 2027 first-round pick, and a second-round pick in 2025, which could be useful for future moves or selections.
If the Pelicans proceed with their fire sale, expect them to make some massive decisions for the long-term project. The Zion project has not worked out as how they would have wanted, but clicking the reset button might be the healthiest move they could make.
