New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans recently agreed in principle to a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. They are sending Eric Bledsoe, Steven Adams, the No. 10 pick, No. 40 pick and a 2022 first-round pick via the Los Angeles Lakers to Memphis in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas, the No. 17 pick and No. 51 pick.
This deal was made in part to give the Pelicans some salary-cap flexibility with free agency beginning next week. They now have some wiggle room and avenues to improve the roster.
The Pelicans have a strong base with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, two young All-Stars. Building up the roster around them is imperative for the team to make a playoff push this season.
Malcolm Brogdon would bring some veteran leadership to a young Pelicans team. He would help replace a lot of what could be lost if restricted free agents Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart depart. Brogdon can slip right into the starting five and has shown that he can impact the game even without the ball in his hands. His defense would be most appreciated, as New Orleans struggled to slow opponents down at times last season.
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A sign-and-trade involving Lonzo Ball could be enough to get the ball rolling in negotiations should the Pacers target him as a presumed upgrade for their team.
