Despite having the second-worst record in the NBA this season, the New Orleans Pelicans still believe that they can make the playoffs. With a 4-17 record, that is likely wishful thinking, particularly in the Western Conference. Not just that, but according to Bleacher Reports' Jake Fischer, they are willing to make a trade to improve their roster and their chances to make the postseason.
Historically, very few teams have gotten off to as bad of a start as the Pelicans have and looked to improve during the season by making a trade. The Pelicans are in a bit of a different boat since they were expected to be good but were hit by the injury bug, causing them to get off to a terrible start.
Dropping 16 games before December puts them in a major hole, and they would have to go on a tear to even have a chance to make the play in the tournament, let alone the playoffs this season.
It's technically possible considering how teams in the Western Conference tend to beat up on one another, causing the standings to be packed together with only a few games separating the best teams from the worst in the conference.
Should the New Orleans Pelicans make a win-now trade?
Despite being among the worst teams in the NBA this season, the Pelicans could still look to move on from Brandon Ingram in a trade to acquire a center to better complement their roster. Ingram will become a free agent after this season, and the Pelicans are at risk of losing him for nothing.
Few teams have registered significant interest in him, but the Detroit Pistons might be interested, and they have a center in Isaiah Stewart that could interest the Pelicans. New Orleans would need more in a deal with the Pistons, including a first-round pick.
But given that they probably still won't make the playoffs this season, getting a long-term center and a pick from a player that they may not retain this offseason would be a smart trade for them to make.
There is also no telling when star Zion Williamson will return, and their playoff hopes will rely on him being healthy and playing the majority of the remaining games. That seems like a tall task for a player who has missed more than 50% of his career games. As a result, the Pelicans shouldn't make any major moves that would jeopardize their ability to compete going forward.
They may be better off looking to trade Ingram for future pieces and letting the chips fall where they may in regard to this season. Their first-round pick is looking like a high lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and they can reload and add talent to better complement Zion Williamson or even replace him.