Does this trade make sense for the New Orleans Pelicans?
This trade would give the Pelicans another big-name player in the rotation. That is what they are looking for. New Orleans has some star power but not enough to make them a force in a difficult Western Conference. They need to keep piling stars in hopes of getting to that level.
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We all remember the celebration coming out of New Orleans after they landed the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and the chance to draft Williamson. That showed that the front office wants to win and win soon. Right now, they are improving but not getting close to competing. Porzingis would bring a new dynamic to the offensive end for the Pelicans.
Both Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are strong mid-range players that can get to the rim. A trade for Kristaps Porzingis would bring pick-and-pop shooting and having the size to roll to the basket. This will come down to if Porzingis will be happy in New Orleans. We have seen that if he is unhappy, he works his way out of town.
The Pelicans need a long-term option next to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who already signed his extension. Williamson will be next on the list and Porzingis is already locked up.