The New Orleans Pelicans began the 2021-22 NBA season with a poor 3-16 record but have since turned things around in a major way. With optimism of Zion Williamson returning to the lineup before the end of the regular season, there’s reason to be looking to make a playoff push.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Pelicans are appearing to be ‘buyers’ ahead of the NBA trade deadline and hold interest in perimeter upgrades like Harrison Barnes, Robert Covington, and Eric Gordon.
The New Orleans Pelicans appear to be buyers heading into the trade deadline and have expressed interest in trading for several players, including Harrison Barnes, Robert Covington and Eric Gordon, league sources told HoopsHype.
When evaluating Harrison Barnes, Robert Covington, and Eric Gordon each as options for the Pelicans in an NBA trade deadline move, it’s important to take into consideration how each player would fit.
Barnes and Covington each play on the wing—presenting potential overlap with Brandon Ingram and, of course, Zion Williamson given primarily each of those two trade targets are best suited at the four.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pelicans Primed To Pull Off Trade For Blazers’ CJ McCollum?
The cleanest fit likely would be a reunion with Eric Gordon given he can slot in at the backcourt and provide an element of pick-and-roll and DHO presence. He also has a keen ability to operate off the catch both as a threat in catch-and-shoot and lane penetration opportunities. Alongside Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, that’s key.
The Pelicans also have been linked often to another Portland Trail Blazers player in CJ McCollum, who could be on the move at the NBA trade deadline after a breakout campaign from Anfernee Simons. Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer recently labeled the Pelicans as the ‘most linked’ destination for McCollum.
The destination most often linked to McCollum has been New Orleans, who could sensibly deal Jonas Valanciunas and Josh Hart. That would give the Blazers a center replacement for Nurkic, a strong veteran contributor in Hart and sneak Portland under the tax. It would seem the Pelicans would be more willing to part with Tomas Satoranksy and Jaxson Hayes over Valanciunas, however.
The clear-cut best option for the New Orleans Pelicans does appear to be a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers to acquire CJ McCollum. While he isn’t as impactful of a defender, McCollum is a more dynamic shot creator than Eric Gordon and could bring a needed presence in more of a primary guard role next to Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson as opposed to playing off Damian Lillard.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Blazers-Pelicans Trade Lands CJ McCollum In NOLA
What the New Orleans Pelicans end up doing at the NBA trade deadline will be key in positioning themselves for the 2022-23 NBA season. While a playoff push and successful pursuit would be ideal for this year’s campaign, the season beyond is what’s most important.
