Every NBA trade isn’t a blockbuster. As much as fans thirst for a major deal, teams need to tinker on the margins. Some deals are aimed at helping a team make incremental improvements.
We should expect to see some of these deals as the NBA’s trade deadline approaches. In particular, we should be looking at good teams who want to get better.
For example, take the New Orleans Pelicans. They don’t need to make headlines, but they could use a better roster. On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls might set off some fireworks.
This team is a strong candidate to make a major move as the deadline approaches. With that said, they could make some more marginal deals as well.
Could they make one that sends Andre Drummond to the Pelicans?
NBA Trade Proposal: Chicago Bulls Land New Orleans Pelicans’ Andre Drummond
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Kira Lewis Jr.
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Andre Drummond, F Torrey Craig
With that said, the Pelicans are no stranger to more significant rumors. This team is often in the rumor mill. If you look at their roster, that won’t come as a surprise.
After all, the Pelicans roster Zion Williamson. He’s exactly the type of player who will inspire trade discussion. Williamson has looked like an MVP candidate at times in his career, but he’s perhaps the most injury-prone player in the league.
Williamson is also rumored to be unhappy in New Orleans. Should the Pelicans keep him, or should they move him? It’s not an easy question to answer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
One thing does seem clear. If the Pelicans moved him, they wouldn’t get as much value as they’d like for him.
Should they make a more marginal deal instead?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Let’s assume that the Pelicans don’t want to move Williamson. In that event, they need to upgrade the roster around him. The Pelicans have a deep, talented roster, but they do have some needs.
In particular, they could use a big man with some defensive value. Granted, Drummond isn’t exactly a world-beater. Still, he is a presence on the interior.
Moreover, Drummond should be affordable at a low price. The Pelicans should be happy to add him to their roster without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, Craig is an addition worth making as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Sure, the Pelicans have tremendous wing depth. It never hurts to have an insurance policy. Craig is a solid 3-and-D who the Pelicans can insert into their rotation in the event of an injury.
Should the Bulls give up two useful veterans for Lewis Jr.?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls are expected to rebuild. In all likelihood, they’ll make bigger moves than this one. Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic are all strong candidates to get moved leading up to the deadline.
Drummond and Craig won’t have the same value. If the Bulls are going to move them, taking a flyer on a young player with any upside would be optimal. That’s why we’ve got them acquiring Lewis Jr.
Has he accomplished much in his NBA career? No. That’s why the Bulls are acquiring him at this low price. Still, at 22, Lewis has the potential to improve.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
At times, he’s looked like a crafty scoring guard with some playmaking chops. He’d be a smart target for a rebuilding Bulls team – even if he’s not a blockbuster acquisition.
