1. New Orleans Pelicans
After getting off to a 3-16 start to the 2021-22 season, the New Orleans Pelicans have since posted a 17-16 record and are very much in the mix to contend for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Brandon Ingram is having yet another strong season posting averages of 22.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while baring the brunt of the opposition’s top priority in game planning on a nightly basis. Without a co-star or much for shooting around him, he’s made the most of it.
Adding a shot creator like CJ McCollum would take a lot of pressure off Ingram and elevate the offense as a whole. McCollum’s off-ball impact would be a major upgrade in itself let alone his ability to create off the bounce.
A return before the end of the season has not been ruled out for Zion Williamson and it’s what the Pelicans hope to actually take place. Having both Ingram and McCollum alongside Williamson to form a “Big 3” would be a strong foundation for the Pelicans to build around.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pelicans Primed To Pull Off Trade For Blazers’ CJ McCollum?
Like the Dallas Mavericks, the New Orleans Pelicans have attempted to aggressively pursue a variety of standout free agents but have come up empty. Using the trade route is a prime method to not come up empty.
