Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal

Don’t look now, but the New Orleans Pelicans may be closer to title contention than you think.

In 2021-22, they made the playoffs. considering they didn’t have their supposed most important player in Zion Williamson, that was quite the feat. With Williamson back in the fold, who knows how far they can go next year?

Granted, some will argue that they don’t need Irving to realize that potential. Fair enough. On the other hand, adding him at this low cost would instantly make them one of the most talented teams in the entire NBA.

They happen to have a replacement for Jalanciunas on deck in Jaxson Hayes. That trade-off figures to improve their defense at the expense of their offense. With Williamson, Brandon Ingram, C.J. McCollum, and Irving joining him in the starting lineup, that’s a trade-off worth making.

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In fact, it could be one that leads the Pelicans to an NBA title – as long as Irving consistently suits up to play.