Why This Trade Makes Sense For The New Orleans Pelicans
Even though the New Orleans Pelicans have looked really good to start the NBA season, their offense revolves around Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. They have some solid role players in J.J. Redick, Eric Bledsoe and Josh Hart, but in order for this team to sustain their success and be threats in the Western Conference, they will have to go out and trade for a third high-level scoring option.
Trading away Lonzo Ball in this trade package gives them the ability to do so because they would acquire Malik Monk and three valuable draft assets that could be packaged together to acquire a talent like DeMar DeRozan or Victor Oladipo at the trade deadline.
With Lonzo Ball being in the final year of his contract and with Eric Bledsoe and rookie Kira Lewis Jr. also in the backcourt, there is not as much of a need for Lonzo Ball anymore in New Orleans, which is why it would make sense for them to want to trade him for assets. The Pelicans need to continue adding scorers on the wing, which is exactly what Monk could develop into.
The biggest question about this trade though is if New Orleans is willing to trade away Lonzo Ball, especially after the success this team has had to begin the 2020-21 NBA season. As it stands right now, the Pelicans seem to be rolling and would probably want a player like Devonte’ Graham or Miles Bridges in a trade with the Hornets.
In the event that they do accept the trade for Monk and the draft picks, the Pelicans would have five draft picks in 2021, five draft picks in 2022 and three draft picks in 2023. This would mean that they are gearing up to make a big move near the NBA trade deadline to acquire another All-Star level talent.
The New Orleans Pelicans are a team that has the capability to make a big splash near the trade deadline and with these draft picks coming over from Charlotte, it makes it much easier to execute any trade they want. Definitely watch for the Pelicans to make some noise this season, especially on the trade market.
