Why this trade would make sense for the New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans would land a very good center to team up with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram in this particular trade scenario. The ability to potentially seek an upgrade over Jaxson Hayes with the addition of Mitchell Robinson could be all it takes to make a deal.
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The Pelicans like what they have in Steven Adams at the center position, but he’s not a long-term answer at the center position. His new contract will land him $35 million over the next two seasons and then he becomes a free agent in 2023. A team in need of an upgrade at the center spot surely would be interested in landing him.
Mitchell Robison is a seven foot tall, 23 year old center who was the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks a few years ago. Despite the second round slander, Robinson has molded himself into a capable rotational piece who has garnered the nickname ‘Block Ness Monster’ from his teammates and coaches due to his innate ability to contest and block shots on a regular basis.
The Pelicans need a young center who can not only make a high percentage of his shots, but also a guy who can hustle back to the other side of the floor and put in the work defensively as well. Mitchell Robinson has shot 70.5 percent from the floor throughout his three year NBA career and his defensive skills could make him a coveted addition to the Pelicans.
