Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Lonzo Ball, F/C Nicolo Melli

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Marcus Morris Sr, G Reggie Jackson, LAC 2022 2nd Round Pick, LAC 2023 2nd Round Pick

With other guards in Eric Bledsoe, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and rookie Kira Lewis Jr. also on the roster for New Orleans this year, they could end up trading Lonzo Ball as he is in the final year of his contract and has a high value on the open market.The only question in this trade scenario is if the Pelicans would be receiving enough value from the Clippers.

With them only having one first-round pick in 2027, the Clippers are an interesting team to keep an eye on at the deadline this year because it will be very difficult for them to make a reasonable trade for a worthwhile talent. Teams are always looking to acquire first-round picks for key talents that can aid others in championship pursuits, which is the situation with Lonzo Ball. 

The Pelicans would absolutely want a fair amount of draft value if they were to trade their third best scorer, which is why this trade with the Clippers may not happen and fall through. Ball is having a terrific season, averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and shooting 38.9% from three-point range. 

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If Los Angeles was to keep both Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams, then Marcus Morris Sr. would have to be on the move financially, but who knows if the Pelicans even want him. Right now, with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, New Orleans has a really solid foundation, but nobody really knows where their heads are at. 

Are they going to be “buyers” or “sellers” at the deadline and what exactly are they looking for roster wise? With them not really being able to pursue a third All-Star talent right now, the Pelicans may have to settle with getting not as big of a return for Lonzo Ball as they had originally hoped when they made him available, which is why he will likely remain in New Orleans and become a free agent at the end of the year. 

Now, let’s’ take a look as to if this hypothetical trade scenario makes sense for both the Clippers and the Pelicans.