New Orleans Pelicans: 3 trade possibilities for first round pick

1. Kevin Love

If the New Orleans Pelicans are looking to make a big splash in the trade market, this could be their best opportunity. Kevin Love has been out after playing only four games this season, but that hasn’t stopped the rumors regarding the possibility of his time in Cleveland coming to an end. Love is eligible for trade on Jan. 24, just 15 days shy of the trade deadline.

The All-Star big man could be a perfect pairing alongside Anthony Davis. Seeing the success the team has had in pairing a floor-stretching 4 alongside Davis in Nikola Mirotic, Love would definitely work offensively. In the four games he played so far this season prior to injury, he averaged 19 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. While it would be tough to see Mirotic go, Love would be a more than viable replacement, but unlike Mirotic, he’d be locked in for the long haul.

Adding Rodney Hood to the deal would help New Orleans round out the roster. Hood has averaged 12.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.9 steals per game this season, playing 27.3 minutes a night in a starting role for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He would be an excellent option for New Orleans to start at the small forward role. This would allow a downward shift of players like E’Twaun Moore on the roster, giving the team more options for scoring off the bench.

With Hood’s current contract, he would have to approve being dealt to New Orleans. However, he could see it as a better opportunity to play for his next contract, rather than sharing the spotlight with players like Alec Burks and Cedi Osman.

This deal would add some long-term money to the Pelicans’ books, but would be well worth it. It is unlikely that Kevin Love would ever become an unmovable piece if they sought to part ways before his contract ended, as well.

Cleveland, which has been vocal about finding the right deal for Love, would seek multiple first round picks. The Pelicans have shown interest in making a deal happen, but it would likely come down to the Cavs’ asking price. Two first round picks could seem reasonable for both sides. If there is a deal to be made for both parties, this trade could be a great chance for the Pelicans to add some serious talent to their roster.