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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Should the New Orleans Pelicans push for Myles Turner?

This is a move that should have been pursued months ago. For all the public knows, it was. The New Orleans Pelicans traded for center Steven Adams to fortify their defense and bring a veteran presence to the locker room. If only they had been able to add Myles Turner instead.

Myles Turner has been in the conversation as the best defensive player in the league this season, averaging a league-leading 3.4 blocks per game. He is also the perfect fit next to Williamson in the frontcourt, as he is not locked on the block on offense but is also not allergic to guarding an opponent.

The trade would be confusing to pull off, however. Steven Adams is unable to be traded until August after signing an extension last offseason. As long as he is on the team figuring out a rotation with Turner and Williamson would be quite the puzzle. However, making the move now and being okay with tanking the season to add another top pick and then moving Adams this summer could make sense.

For a two-team deal to work Eric Bledsoe would need to be involved. Expanding it to allow the Pacers to move on from Jeremy Lamb could be considered too. Adding a third team could make things easier financially but above my pay grade to figure out. Regardless, if Turner is available the Pelicans should be calling.

Pursue

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