Jake Madison here, the host of the daily Locked On Pelicans podcast, with your daily Locked On Pelicans newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pelicans and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The Pelicans’ Unexpected Trade Target Is...
Photo by Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a precarious position. While much of the trade talk has centered around Brandon Ingram, there’s another move the team must make that doesn’t involve their star forward.
The Pelicans are currently over the luxury tax by $2,111,937, resulting in a hefty bill of over $3 million. For a team with only eight wins, paying the luxury tax is simply not feasible. This reality necessitates a strategic move to shed salary before the February 6th deadline.
While dumping a minimum contract player might seem like the obvious solution, it’s not that simple. The Pelicans need to shed more salary than most minimum contracts would allow. This is where an unexpected name enters the conversation: Jordan Hawkins.
Hawkins, making $4.525 million this season, has struggled to find his footing in the NBA. Despite being touted for his shooting prowess coming out of college, he’s only shooting 32.2% from three-point range this season. His lack of production in other areas of the game further complicates his value to the team.
Trading Hawkins could provide the Pelicans with the salary relief they need while potentially netting a future asset in return. This move would also create room to sign Brandon Boston Jr. to a standard NBA contract, addressing the team’s depth concerns.
The Zach LaVine Conundrum
As the Pelicans prepare to face the Chicago Bulls, speculation about Zach LaVine’s fit in New Orleans has surfaced. While LaVine’s scoring prowess is undeniable, his massive contract presents significant challenges for any potential trade.
However, a surprising trade scenario has emerged: Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum for Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball. This deal could provide the Pelicans with a dynamic scorer in LaVine while offering salary cap relief through Ball’s expiring contract.
While this trade comes with its own set of complications, it represents the type of creative thinking the Pelicans’ front office must employ as they navigate the upcoming trade deadline.
For more insights and a deeper dive into potential Pelicans trades, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
• Herb Jones injury update and its impact on the team
• Antonio Reeves and Keion Brooks Jr. recalled from G League
• Preview of upcoming game against the Chicago Bulls
Jan 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Something I realized last night at the Warriors-Raptors game, perhaps more pressingly than the last time the team was in town a season ago — this thing isn’t going to last forever.
You wouldn’t get that impression from Steph Curry, who takes his pre-game warmup last and happily engages with the fans who show up an hour before tip-off to watch him. Curry’s off-court presence, compared to his superstar contemporaries, has always been demure and private, but watching him revel and work within that outsized adoration is a privilege in itself. No fan in attendance watching him take feathery lob after feathery lob, or take a volleyball spike to the basketball so he could meet it mid-air for a dunk, was thinking about the finite nature of Curry — performer or competitor.
Even if the underlying desire of proximity to greatness stems from the understanding that one day that greatness will no longer exist, that reality doesn’t translate in the moment. In the moment, there’s just Curry, laughing with his coaches, signing the backs of jerseys, going through footwork, prepping for the night’s game.
Where the impression of a dynasty in its final stages becomes more pronounced is through the words of Warriors coach, Steve Kerr. Asked about how difficult it is to maintain a dynasty, and Kerr reverted to Curry.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Analysis TheDetroit Pistons are emerging as a serious surprise story this season. (TSN)
Biz Explosive court documents show co-conspirators and other shocking details in Jontay Porter’s ongoing betting scandal. (The Athletic)
Rumor Stephen A. Smith suggests that Zion Williamson may not want to stay with the Pelicans amid ongoing trade rumors. This speculation adds a layer of uncertainty to the team’s future. Potential trade discussions could reshape the roster. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Pelicans will face the Bulls at the United Center at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Injury Update: Key Players Sidelined and Return Timelines For Fantasy Basketball
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) attempts a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, injuries continue to play a significant role in shaping team dynamics and fantasy basketball strategies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful injuries across the league and their potential implications.
The Utah Jazz are once again at the forefront of injury-related drama. Lauri Markkanen’s back spasms and John Collins’ hip issue have raised eyebrows, with many speculating about potential load management strategies. Keyonte George’s heel soreness has kept him out for five consecutive games, while Jordan Clarkson’s plantar fascia injury could potentially end his season. The Jazz’s injury situation is one to monitor closely, as it could lead to increased opportunities for players like Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s knee injury has kept him out for four consecutive games. This absence highlights the risks associated with drafting Embiid in the first round of fantasy drafts. With a busy schedule ahead, including back-to-back sets, Embiid’s playing time could be limited even upon his return.
For more insights and a deeper dive into NBA injuries and their fantasy implications, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Portland Trail Blazers injury updates
• Phoenix Suns roster changes and injury concerns
• Orlando Magic’s lengthy injury report and fantasy implications
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pelicans podcasts.
Dejounte Murray delivered a clutch win for the Pelicans and justified New Orleans trading for him Discover how the New Orleans Pelicans secured a thrilling 119-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks (without Luka Doncic), even in the absence of Zion Williamson. With standout performances from Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy, the Pelicans showcased their depth and resilience.
Trey Murphy just showed he is a STAR for the New Orleans Pelicans Trey Murphy’s standout performance is turning heads as he helps the New Orleans Pelicans make waves in the NBA. Join Jake Madison as he talks about his impressive 32-point game against the Bulls and what it means for his role on the team.
You might not think it but a Zach LaVine trade could help New Orleans Pelicans with the Luxury Tax Can the New Orleans Pelicans navigate the luxury tax without sacrificing talent? Dive into the strategic maneuvers of the New Orleans Pelicans as they explore potential trades to manage their salary cap.
