Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal 

By contrast, the Pelicans haven’t leaned into a player type as much as they’ve leaned into a strength – pure offensive firepower. 

A glance at this team’s starting lineup should make opposing defenses sick. Obviously, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are the stars, but CJ McCollum can get hot enough to warrant a double team too.

Even Jonas Valanciunas provides plenty of offensive value. 

Why not continue doubling down? Throwing VanVleet into this lineup would make them unguardable. In fact, in tandem with the rest of this group, he may give the Pelicans the best offense in basketball. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Fred VanVleet, Toronto Raptors & New Orleans Pelicans Updates

Moreover, VanVleet isn’t exactly a defensive liability, either. His size limits his effectiveness, but he’s a stout point-of-attack defender so long as he’s not at a serious disadvantage there. 

Should the Raptors really give up such a valuable player?