NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team

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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 17: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket while guarded by Jaxson Hayes #10 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at TD Garden on January 17, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts, NBA Trades: 1 deadline target for every Southwest Division team. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades Southwest Division – New Orleans Pelicans: Dennis Schröder

The New Orleans Pelicans currently find themselves in an incredibly interesting position. Despite being without All-Star forward Zion Williamson for the entire season, they are currently just 1.5 games out of the final play-in spot in the West.

While there is no timetable for his return, this is a team that could potentially get into the play-in conversation and then welcome back the big man, which could make them even more dangerous. If so, they should be looking to make win-now moves at the trade deadline, and Dennis Schröder fits the bill.

Someone like Schröder makes sense for New Orleans because they need a boost in the backcourt and off the bench. They currently rank 25th in second unit points with 30 per game this season, a number that should explore avenues to improve.

A former Sixth Man of the Year candidate such as Schröder would help them in that regard, particularly since he is having another stellar season by averaging 15.4 points while shooting 44.1 percent from the floor and 35.7 percent from three. He could give them a reliable ball-handler in the second unit that fits well with their other pieces.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required) reported earlier in the season that execs believe the Boston Celtics may be willing to trade the guard to avoid paying him after the season.

Schröder is on an incredibly affordable deal at $5.9 million this season, and New Orleans has assets to make a compelling offer for him. If the Pelicans are serious about making a push for the play-in, someone like Schröder could help in their quest.