3. Can Capitalize on Holiday’s Value

There is a clear perception around Jrue Holiday since his performance against the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2018 NBA playoffs that he is a shutdown defender. In addition, he has shown the ability to score and distribute the ball to teammates.

That would inspire teams like the Heat and the Nuggets to believe that acquiring Holiday would bring a significant boost to their odds of making a deep playoff run this season. His ability to guard the ball would help take their defenses to the next level while providing a playmaking impact.

It will take a while for the Pelicans to get to the point where the Heat and Nuggets currently are. However, landing younger players and assets from either team in exchange for Holiday would help them get to that point sooner. It would help establish a clear foundation for future success.

There could be a blend of a young player (or two) and some draft compensation from either the Heat or Nuggets or even a different under the radar trade destination. Simply put, there are plenty of teams in a win-now mode that would jump at the chance to acquire Holiday and the Pelicans should capitalize.

If there are any developmental pieces the Pelicans land, there would be plenty of time to help them grow while Williamson is adjusting to the NBA level himself. Right now, there isn’t the pressure of needing to immediately get into the playoffs because of a fear that he will leave if not.