The New Orleans Pelicans made waves at the NBA trade deadline, but not for the reasons many expected. Despite swirling rumors, the team held onto both Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. This decision reflects the organization’s commitment to competing next season and their belief in the potential of their core players.
The lack of a robust trade market for Williamson and McCollum played a significant role in the Pelicans’ decision-making process. While Zion’s value could potentially increase with consistent play and good health, CJ’s contract situation makes him more valuable to New Orleans than to other teams at this juncture.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans’ projected starting lineup for next season is intriguing. With Yves Missi, Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herbert Jones, and CJ McCollum, the team boasts a mix of shooting, defense, and star power that could propel them into playoff contention.
The Brandon Ingram Trade
The Pelicans did make one significant move, trading Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors. In return, they received Bruce Brown Jr. and Kelly Olynyk. While Brown’s future with the team is uncertain due to his expiring contract, Olynyk could provide valuable depth as a backup big man.
This trade also helps the Pelicans manage their salary cap situation for the upcoming season, potentially avoiding luxury tax complications and giving them more flexibility moving forward.
The Importance of May 12th
Circle May 12th on your calendars, Pelicans fans. That’s the date of the NBA Draft Lottery, which could significantly impact the franchise’s future direction. Currently slotted at number two in the lottery odds, New Orleans has a 52.1% chance of landing a top-four pick in what’s considered a strong draft class.
The outcome of the lottery could determine whether the Pelicans continue to build around their current core or pivot towards a more extensive rebuild. Landing a top pick could provide the team with a potential franchise cornerstone to build around for years to come.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ trade deadline decisions, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
• Analyzing Bruce Brown Jr.'s fit with the team
• Kelly Olynyk’s potential impact as a backup center
• The importance of the upcoming NBA Draft Lottery
• Evaluating Trey Murphy’s recent performances
• Discussing potential coaching changes for next season
