New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Josh Jackson, C Mason Plumlee, G Cory Joseph

Detroit Pistons Receive: C Jaxson Hayes, G Eric Bledsoe

The New Orleans Pelicans are going to be searching for ways to add high-level talents to their roster in the offseason, more specifically a third star player to pair with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, but filling out their roster with key talents who can contribute on both ends of the court is just as valuable. 

Eric Bledsoe is in his first season with the Pelicans and has done his job, but the role he provides is likely not enough for them to be relevant in the Western Conference. Bledsoe is a great player, don’t get me wrong, which is why he could definitely fit in with the Pistons. 

They are a younger team on the rise and Detroit really needs some experienced talents to pair with Jerami Grant to improve this team’s overall growth. Eric Bledsoe is definitely this kind of guy and while they do have a crowded backcourt, they can definitely make room for a guy who fits their style of play perfectly. 

With the emergence of rookie center Isaiah Stewart, the Pistons could potentially look to move on from Mason Plumlee, even after they signed him this past offseason. The only thing for the Pistons though is if they would want another young, athletic center in Jaxson Hayes. He has a ton of upside and potential to be a dynamic, athletic center, but they have that already in Isaiah Stewart, which could be problematic for the Pistons in the grand scheme of things. 

For the Pelicans, they have Steven Adams as their starting center, but he is more of a bruiser who aids them in rebounding. He is not much of a threat other than being a big-time rebounder, which is why getting a backup center in Mason Plumlee could definitely help elevate this team. 

RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: Grading the Magic-Nuggets trade involving Aaron Gordon

Plumlee is having a career-year with the Pistons, averaging 10.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and shooting 60.2% from the floor. He is the versatile, “do-it-all” kind of guy they could use at the center position, which is why he would be a good fit for the Pelicans. 

Josh Jackson is also having a career-year in Detroit, as he is averaging 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and is shooting 42.8% from the floor. Adding a dynamic, athletic and young player on the wing like Jackson is exactly what the Pelicans need, especially with Josh Hart set to be a free agent and his future in question. 

Now, let’s take a look at both the Pelicans and Pistons as a whole and truly see if this trade is not only feasible for both of them, but if it makes sense for the direction both franchises are trending towards.