Philadelphia 76ers: A groundbreaking, 4-team mega trade proposition

By Simon Smith | Jan 4, 2019

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Markelle Fultz #20 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against Melbourne United in the preseason game at Wells Fargo Center on September 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Pelicans outlook

If there’s one team in the league to watch out for prior to the Feb. 7 deadline, it’s the New Orleans Pelicans.

Of course, the reasoning for this is Anthony Davis‘ impending free agency at the end of the 2019-20 season. Now in the seventh season in the league, talk has been rife around the league that Davis is expected to decline the Pelicans’ offer of a maximum contract extension.

Currently, the Pelicans are placed 14th in the Western Conference standings with a 17-22 record. Since arriving in New Orleans, Davis and the Pelicans have won just one playoff series, having missed the postseason altogether on four separate occasions. So with the clock ticking as it relates to trying to retain Davis for the long term, the front office will need to get creative in a hurry in order to convince Davis to remain.

Like it or not, the Anthony Davis crisis point is here. On how the Pelicans got here, the Lakers noise, and what happens now: https://t.co/1V1oia7wju
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) December 27, 2018

While the natural inclination will center around Davis being traded, there’s no reason why the Pelicans’ surrounding talent can’t be included in a franchise-altering deal. Chief among the candidates are guard Jrue Holiday and forward Nikola Mirotic. Enjoying what looks like a career-best season, Holiday is seemingly in the prime of his career at age 28, and is one of the elite two-way guards in the league.

As for Mirotic, while he’s been hampered by injury this season, his elite ability as a 6’10” big who can stretch the floor and create havoc on the opposition would be a welcome addition on a number of competing teams around the league.