Does this trade make sense for the New Orleans Pelicans?

At 11-21 and just one game in front of the Houston Rockets for last place in the Western Conference, it is a long shot to believe that the New Orleans Pelicans can make the playoffs at this rate, but that could change once or if Zion Williamson returns to the floor. 

Williamson suffered a foot injury in the offseason that required surgery and he has not played at all this year as a result. Whether he plays or not, the Pelicans need some more frontcourt talent and particularly someone who can fill many different roles at the power forward position. 

Robert Covington has made a living being a “3-and-D” player who can guard numerous different positions on the floor, hence why the Pelicans would be highly interested in him for a veteran role player and a second-round pick. 

This would only be a temporary arrangement with Covington since he is in the final year of his contract, but the New Orleans Pelicans would get out of paying Garrett Temple long-term and they could absorb Covington’s contract using a $17M TPE they have from when Steven Adams was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies this past offseason. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Sixers, Rival Teams ‘Optimistic’ Lillard Could Request Trade

The New Orleans Pelicans have nothing to lose in this trade, which is why they should be willing to take on Robert Covington’s contract.