The New Orleans Pelicans have had the season from hell. It seems like every other day a new player is listed on the Pelicans injury report, and a season with sky-high potential is now all but over. At 11-32, it will be nearly impossible for them to climb into the Western Conference playoff picture. Because of this, Pelicans trade rumors have been as loud as ever. Are the Pelicans going to scrap this season and see if they can better position themselves for the future? Marc Stein recently reported on two Pelicans trade candidates, Herb Jones and Javonte Green.
New Report Provides Clarity On Pelicans Trade Rumors
Pelicans Trade Candidate Not on the Move
The biggest takeaway from the Stein report is that the Pelicans will not likely be trading defensive star Herb Jones. Many teams have shown interest in Jones. The Dallas Mavericks were reportedly interested in adding Jones to their team that reached the NBA Finals last season. It sounds like the Mavericks, and other suitors, won’t be able to get Jones, but his high value across the NBA trade market isn’t surprising.
Jones has been one of the most valuable players on the Pelicans over the last couple of seasons, and he has a skill set that every team needs. Jones is one of the best wing defenders in the league. He made the NBA All-Defensive First Team last season and the Second Team in 2022. Last season, on top of his incredible defensive play, he looked like a sharpshooter from deep as well. Jones shot 41.8% from three last year and is shooting 36.6% for his career. This season Jones is struggling from deep, only shooting 30.6%. His poor shooting didn’t keep him out of Pelicans trade rumors though.
A Javonte Green Trade Could Be Likely
Unlike Jones, it seems like another Pelicans’ forward could be on the move. Green is supposedly receiving a lot of interest in the NBA trade market. Green has an extremely reasonable contract at $2 million for this season. There are likely multiple teams that would be interested in taking on this small contact for a veteran wing who can spread the floor.
Green is averaging 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds on 38.5% shooting from deep this season. He is on pace to play the most or second-most games of his career as he has found a spot on the depleted Pelicans roster. The Pelicans are also $1.44 million above the tax line, making Green’s contract a perfect one to shed.
Other Pelicans Trade Rumors
Jones and Green aren’t the only Pelicans players involved in NBA trade rumors this season. Brandon Ingram has been on the trade block since before the season even started. Franchise star Zion Williamson was recently added to the list. CJ McCollum has seen his name in trade conversations for most of his career. It seems like anyone could be on the move.
Regardless of who the Pelicans can trade this deadline, one thing is clear. They are open for businesses on the NBA trade market, and anything can happen. Keep an eye on the Pelicans this NBA trade deadline for moves both big and small.
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