The New Orleans Pelicans could make some significant moves before the NBA trade deadline.
The New Orleans Pelicans’ disappointing 5-21 start to the season is both surprising and disheartening for a franchise aiming for three consecutive winning seasons for the first time in its history. Injuries to key players like Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Dejounte Murray have left the Pelicans with the worst record in the Western Conference. The team now finds itself at a critical juncture with its current roster.
Ingram is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the summer, as the two sides were unable to agree on an extension this offseason. Meanwhile, Williamson is once again sidelined with a hamstring injury, which has plagued the first six years of his career. The former No. 1 overall pick has played in less than 50% of the Pelicans’ games since being drafted in 2019. With the season slipping away, New Orleans may consider trading some of their veterans and stars to focus on rebuilding for the future.
A recent report from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer through The People’s Insider indicates that the Pelicans are willing to consider trades for almost any player on their roster, including Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, with the exception of some of their promising younger talents.
According to The People’s Insider, “While the Pelicans are understandably hesitant to part with their younger prospects—Herb Jones, rookie Yves Missi, and Trey Murphy III—they are reportedly open to trade proposals for virtually everyone else on the roster, given their 5-21 start and the injury issues they’ve faced, even more so than Philadelphia.”
Although there have been rumors suggesting that New Orleans might be willing to trade Ingram and Williamson, this report confirms that they are indeed open to such possibilities. Meanwhile, it seems that Jones, Missi, and Murphy are expected to stay with the Pelicans.
Jones earned his first selection to the All-NBA Defensive First Team last season, and he has been improving his offensive contributions. The former Alabama star shot over 40% from three-point range last season, establishing himself as a dangerous 3-and-D player.
Murphy III signed a four-year contract extension with New Orleans in October after achieving career highs in points, rebounds, and assists last season. Rookie Yves Missi has been this year’s biggest surprise, as many expected him to be a developmental project. Selected 21st overall by the Pelicans in this year’s draft, Missi was considered a raw and underdeveloped talent. However, he has made an impact this season, recording half of all rookie double-doubles in the league and establishing himself as a solid presence in the paint.
Prospects for a playoff push now seem uncertain, prompting consideration for the future. The Pelicans are currently slightly above the salary cap and have never entered the luxury tax in their history. The upcoming months will be intriguing as the trade deadline approaches in February.
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