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 send J.J. Reddick to a contender?

J.J. Reddick got off to one of the worst starts to a season in his career and since then has firmly been locked into trade rumors (Athletic paywall). The veteran has been reported to be interested in playing for a contender on the east coast. Given that he has been a good veteran presence and famously missed the playoffs for the first time last season doing right by him is fitting. He also does not serve much use in New Orleans anymore.

Reddick is having a generally bad season, averaging 8.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He is shooting 36.4 percent on 4.5 3-point attempts per game, the worst efficiency in his career. He is an expiring contract and would still have value in the right situation (such as his previous team, the Philadelphia 76ers).

Any of the aforementioned coastal elites could benefit from adding Reddick to see if he can help swing a game in the postseason. He has done so before and it is easy to imagine him doing it again. If the Pelicans can recoup a second-round selection or a young player to take a chance on they should move without hesitation. Even if they did plan on making the playoffs this year they should be able to do so without Reddick in the fold.

Pursue

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