Does this trade make sense for the New Orleans Pelicans?

Trading Eric Bledsoe definitely makes sense for the Pelicans, especially since they intend to re-sign Lonzo Ball in the offseason, but trading him to the Lakers does not bring much value to them. They would get a protected first-round pick that would convey over, but ultimately, they do not really gain value by acquiring KCP or McKinnie. 

They would likely wind up waiving Alfonzo McKinnie since his contract is non-guaranteed and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is nothing more than a perimeter threat. While he could definitely help the Pelicans in their perimeter play, as they currently rank 19th in the league in three-point shooting percentage, trading Bledsoe for KCP is a backwards move for this franchise. 

In fact, the only player on the Lakers’ roster that could positively impact the Pelicans, outside of LeBron and AD of course, is Kyle Kuzma. The young forward is extremely versatile and could fit right in with the Pelicans, but the Lakers are not willing to trade him, especially only for a guy like Bledsoe. 

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There is no way the Pelicans would be looking to acquire Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Eric Bledsoe, but this does not mean they won’t look to trade the veterna guard in the offseason. He has two years left on his contract at the end of this season and with Kira Lewis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and potentially Lonzo Ball returning, the Pelicans backcourt is young and crowded. 

Getting a presumably late first-round pick and KCP for Eric Bledsoe does not make much sense for the New Orleans Pelicans, which is why making a deal with the Lakers is highly unlikely.