New Orleans Pelicans: Pass or pursue on 3 NBA trade deadline rumors

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 25: Lonzo Ball #2 and Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans try to steal the ball from Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 25, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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New Orleans Pelicans, NBA trade deadline (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Should the New Orleans Pelicans move on from Lonzo Ball?

After a rough stint in the bubble and sluggish first few weeks of the season, the rumors swirling around Lonzo Ball began to intensify. He is in the final year of his contract before becoming a restricted free agent. So should the Pelicans send him away?

Absolutely not. Ball has been tremendous this season, quietly reverting to the player he was before the shutdown last season. Ball is shooting 38.8 percent on 7.7 3-point attempts per game. That is better than Damian Lillard, James Harden, Buddy Hield and Trae Young. He is posting a stat line of 14.3 points, 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.

For any deficiencies the Pelicans’ have had this season, Ball has not been one of them. He is a smart player and one of the few knockdown shooters on the roster. In addition, Ball boasts the third-highest defensive rating of any regular rotation players.

The return would just not be sufficient for what Ball brings to the team. He should be one of the building blocks of the future of this team. He pairs well with a number of offensive-minded guards. Unfortunately for him, the point guard he happens to be starting with is far from a fit. Keep Lonzo Ball and figure out the rest of the roster along the way.

Pass

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