The New Orleans Pelicans acquired point guard Eric Bledsoe in the offseason trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Milwaukee Bucks. He is expected to be on the move again at some point before the trade deadline and the Los Angeles Clippers have been mentioned as an ideal landing spot.
Bledsoe has fit in well with the Pelicans so far. They may end up wanting to keep him, but the Clippers could offer a very intriguing deal. L.A. needs a point guard to play alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
So far this season in five games with the Pelicans, Bledsoe has averaged 10.8 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game. The numbers may not look great, but Bledsoe isn’t being asked to be a top-notch scorer in New Orleans.
A trade to the Clippers could be exactly what Bledsoe needs. Los Angeles is one of the top NBA Finals contenders this season and the addition of a true point guard could put them over the top. Beating the Los Angeles Lakers is the main goal for the Clippers.
All of that being said, let’s take a look at what a potential trade between the Clippers and Pelicans involving Eric Bledsoe could look like.
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Eric Bledsoe
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Patrick Beverley, Patrick Patterson, 2022 2nd Round Pick (via ATL), 2023 2nd Round Pick (via POR)
Looking at this trade, the Clippers would be giving up one of the main hearts of their franchise. Beverley has been a key player for years. But, in order to acquire an upgrade at point guard, he has to be moved.
Being able to acquire Bledsoe would be a major plus for the Clippers. He can score the ball when needed and can also create. With George and Leonard, the Clippers would need him to provide some scoring relief.
For the Pelicans, acquiring a guard like Beverley could do them well. He could become a mentor for Lonzo Ball and be a great starter on the defensive end of the floor. Two second-round picks would give general manager David Griffin more assets to work with.
This deal isn’t going to move the meter a ton for either team. But, at least for the Clippers, it would be a roster upgrade that could help come playoff time.
