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NBA Power Rankings Week 14: Trade deadline recap

By Corey Rausch

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets at Amway Center on March 23, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets at Amway Center on March 23, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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NBA trade deadline (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
NBA trade deadline (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans. 22. team. 69. . 20-25. Previous: 24th

Last Week: Beat Denver Nuggets 113-108, Beat Los Angeles Lakers 128-111, Lost to Denver Nuggets 113-108, Beat Dallas Mavericks 112-103

This Week: 3/29 at Boston Celtics, 4/1 vs. Orlando Magic, 4/2 vs. Atlanta Hawks

Sometimes the best trades are the ones you choose not to make. There is plenty to want to fix about the New Orleans Pelicans but the rumors surrounding a Lonzo Ball trade never made sense. He is the best guard on the roster and fits perfectly with Zion Williamson. Even if he is due to get paid this offseason there are other courses of action to make that palatable that do not involve giving up on a 23-year-old.

The Pelicans were not inactive at the deadline, finally making a move to let JJ Redick go. The former sharpshooter was traded, along with Nicolo Melli, to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for James Johnson, Wesley Iwundu and a second-round draft pick. Redick has been in and out of the rotation much of this season and the move gives New Orleans flexibility moving forward.

There are likely more trades coming for the team over the summer. Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe make a combined $35.1 million next season and $37.2 million the following season. Getting out from under their contracts would make paying Ball all the more palatable while setting up young stars Williamson and Brandon Ingram for success. For now, just enjoy the highlights and the potential for another lottery pick.