Why This Trade Makes Sense For The New Orleans Pelicans

Last season was Lonzo Ball’s first season in New Orleans, as he was sent to the Pelicans in the deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers, and while he did perform well during the regular season, there were a lot of concerns within the Pelicans organization about his lack of effort down the stretch.

With Eric Bledsoe and rookie Kira Lewis Jr. also on the roster for New Orleans this year, they could end up trading Lonzo Ball as he is in the final year of his contract and has a high-value on the open market. Acquiring a player like Lou Williams could go a long way in their efforts to make a playoff push this season.

With Jrue Holiday gone, there is plenty of room in the backcourt for a scoring option like Lou Williams off the bench and he would have an immediate impact for this New Orleans Pelicans team. Not to mention, Terance Mann and Rayjon Tucker are two interesting young players. 

Both guys have made a name for themselves in the G League and are two young players that could have a major impact on the Pelicans moving forward. Last season in the G League, Terance Mann averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and shot 52.3% from the floor in 20 games. He is a wing player who is more than comfortable being the primary ball-handler and given his athleticism, he is a very interesting prospect. 

Rayjon Tucker played in a total of 19 G League games last year, averaging 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and shooting 36.1% from three-point range. Tucker primary plays on the wing and with J.J. Redick now 36-years old, the Pelicans need to start looking at who they have at shooting guard that can make an impact moving forward. 

Not only do the Pelicans get a veteran and two young players in this trade, but they get two second-round picks that can be used in future trades. Everything about this trade makes sense for the New Orleans Pelicans and it should solidify themselves as a low-seed playoff team in the Western Conference.