New Orleans Pelicans: Pass or pursue on 3 NBA trade deadline rumors
By Corey Rausch
This has been a rough season for the New Orleans Pelicans thus far. They came in with hopes and dreams of making the leap to the postseason with first-year head coach Stan Van Gundy at the helm. At a minimum, they would have an elite defense, something that Van Gundy is known for.
Unfortunately, that is not the case, not even close. The Pelicans are seventh in offensive rating and a lowly 28th in defensive rating. Zion Williamson has been a force on the offensive end. Outside of a point guard to be named later and Brandon Ingram there is not much else to be positive about.
Should the New Orleans Pelicans pass on or pursue these NBA trade deadline rumors?
Given the struggles they have had on the defensive end of the floor it will likely be tough for the Pelicans to climb back into the playoff race. So now, with the trade deadline just two weeks away it is time for David Griffin and the rest of the front office to start planning for next season.
Given the focus that tends to come to young teams with a talent like Williamson, the spotlight is on the team to make the right moves to build around him. Sometimes that is about who they send out to bring in future flexibility. On other occasions, sometimes the best moves are the ones they choose not to make. This coming trade deadline (and the offseason that follows) will be critical.
Without further ado, let’s move on to the trade scenarios.