Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Well, the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t strictly acquiring RJ Barrett here. They’re also landing Immanuel Quickley, three unprotected first-round picks, and a swap. Don’t sell that short. Quckley has flashed tremendous upside.
Moreover, adding this much draft capital to their already impressive collection would give the Pelicans the best collection in the NBA behind only the Thunder.
Meanwhile, Barrett has some preexisting chemistry with Williamson. They were college teammates. Who knows whether that could result in on-court improvements? This team has had consecutive disappointing seasons, and Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are prone to injury. The Pelicans might want to consider making change for change’s sake.
There’s a better reason to do so than that for New Orleans. Ingram will soon be eligible for a contract extension, and they may be at risk of getting stuck with paying massive money to him and Zion Williamson — two stars that struggle to stay healthy.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
Following this deal, the Pelicans would still have one of the brightest young cores in the NBA – and a lot more flexibility. If one is still optimistic about Barrett’s potential, perhaps getting out of the bright New York City lights could help him to hone in on taking the next step.
Should the Knicks put them in that position?
