Does this trade make sense for the New Orleans Pelicans?
Since they just signed him to a contract-extension not too long ago and since he is one of their top rebounding options, this trade does not make too much sense for the New Orleans Pelicans. Tristan Thompson is a solid big man and just as good of a rebounder as Steven Adams, but they do not really gain anything by making this trade.
Essentially, they would be making a lateral move to help the Boston Celtics and that does not make much sense since there is nothing in this deal for them. Romeo Langford was drafted 14th overall in 2019 and since then, he has only played in 32 games due to numerous injuries and he has yet to play this season.
While they could definitely gain some value should Langford return and remain healthy, the Pelicans would not improve their overall roster by making this trade other than freeing up some cap space. Adams is owed $17M next season and close to $18M in 2022-23, whereas Thomspon is only owed $9.7M next season before becoming a free agent.
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If the Pelicans are looking to free up some cap space in the offseason to potential give Lonzo Ball a long-term contract, then trading Steven Adams to free up some cap space could make sense, but overall, they do not really gain much from this deal.
Tristan Thompson and Steven Adams are basically the same player in terms of rebounding production and Romeo Langford is really nothing to be too excited about since he has barely played, which is why the Pels should hold off on moving Steven Adams.
