The New Orleans Pelicans have to start putting together some wins on the court, or pressure is going to start mounting off of it. David Griffin already went through one ordeal with an NBA superstar in Anthony Davis; he cannot afford to do the same with Zion Williamson.
There were already rumblings earlier this offseason that Williamson has people in his family that do not want him in New Orleans any longer. He only has two years of NBA experience, so he will be with the Pelicans a little longer, but that was as clear a warning as any. Either they start upgrading the team or he is going to ask to leave.
If that tactic was intended to get the front office to make some significant changes this offseason, they missed the memo.
New Orleans saw Lonzo Ball sign an offer sheet with the Chicago Bulls and end up there via sign-and-trade. They didn’t get a first-round pick in the deal but surrendered a first-rounder to acquire Devonte’ Graham from the Charlotte Hornets.
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At best, that was a lateral move. Trading Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams will save them some money, but they failed to do much when it comes to adding talent with their newfound cap space.
New Orleans has two young stars to build upon in Williamson and Brandon Ingram. They could use some more 3-point shooting and defense. New Orleans could get both of those things in the form of Fred VanVleet.
The Toronto Raptors guard would solve a lot of issues for the Pelicans. What would it take to get him? Let’s take a look at this hypothetical deal.
