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NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Priorities For All 30 Teams

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) celebrates after making a three point shot during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are having a rather disappointing season following a playoff appearance last season. The Pelicans have been bothered by injury after injury, including injuries to two starting wings in Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans. With two major expiring contracts in Gordon and Ryan Anderson, the Pelicans will likely be players in trade discussions over the next week.

Anderson will likely be the focus of most team’s trade discussions. He’s a rare player that is athletic enough to play small forward and has the size to play power forward. He can also score at both positions — not to mention he has a fat $8.5 million expiring contract, so he’s one of the most attractive trade deadline options.

Related Story: NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Landing Spots For Ryan Anderson

Anderson’s ability to shoot from range and create mismatches in the post makes him one of the hottest trade candidates. According to multiple reports, the Pistons, Wizards and Rockets have all shown interest. Many other teams have likely shown interest.

With the Pelicans’ financial situation, they are also trying to move Evans, who is out for the rest of the season. Evans is owed $10.2 million next season and would be more of a salary dump to free up cap room for the 2016 offseason. If they move Evans, cornerstone Anthony Davis, point guard Jrue Holiday and center Omer Asik would be the big names returning.

The Pelicans need to get value in return for Anderson. If they include Evans in a deal for Anderson, it could diminish the return but would be a salary dump and could reap greater benefits this summer. The biggest priority for the Pels is to make a move to get something in return for Anderson, even if it’s cap relief in trading Evans too.

Next: Find A Point Guard