Who's In & Who's Out?: New Orleans Pelicans Trade Deadline

Just a few weeks before the NBA trade deadline, it was reported that the New Orleans Pelicans were listening to offers for starting small forward Herb Jones. In addition to this, it was reported that the Pelicans had interest in acquiring a defensive minded big man in the market to get their team over the top. From sellers to buyers, here’s everything you need to know about the Pelicans leading up to the February 8th deadline.

Who Might the Pelicans Trade?



        The Pelicans view their “core” as Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy. These players are almost certainly not going anywhere. While I do think the Pelicans would ship off any other player in the right deal, it’s hard for me to believe they’d just be willing to trade a guy like rookie Jordan Hawkins. So who would they be open or willing to move on from?

Jonas Valančiūnas

As reliable as the big fella has been this season, I don’t think the Pelicans front office values him defensively and would rather someone else at the starting center spot. He would likely be included in a deal for that different center.

Dyson Daniels

I don’t think the Pelicans are looking to trade Daniels, but I do think they wouldn’t necessarily hesitate to throw him in a deal if it meant they could upgrade at another position.

Naji Marshall

Similar to Daniels, I don’t think the Pelicans are actively shopping him. However, I think they would throw him in if they could get a deal done for a better player.

Who Could the Pelicans Look to Add at the Deadline?



        Now that the easy part is out of the way, it’s time to look at some potential trade targets the Pelicans could be eyeing. It’s been no secret that the Pelicans have been looking to add some rim protection, either to their starting lineup or off the bench. While there’s been some talk about Clint Capela, Andre Drummond, and Daniel Gafford, Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has been the top name thrown around, but who else could New Orleans go for? And could they be in the market for a guard or forward as well? Let’s break down all the trade targets I think the Pelicans should keep an eye on.

Defensive Center- Jarrett Allen

Let’s start with the obvious. Allen’s name has been associated with the Pelicans since last summer, and he fits the mold of everything the Pelicans seem to be looking for. He is a defensive guy and good rebounder on a good team. Despite their success this season, the Cavs do seem open to trading Allen, and the Pelicans have seemed to be the number one team linked to him dating back to before the draft. Allen is currently averaging 14.8 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 1.1 BPG to go along with a steal per game. He is shooting 66.7% from the floor this season, and only tends to shoot when he needs to, as the offense is mainly run by stars Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, as well as Evan Mobley. He is also just 25 years old, which could be a big factor dragging the Pels in. In New Orleans, Allen would almost surely be told to just keep doing what he’s doing, as he wouldn’t have to play a vital role in the offense here either. Allen would most certainly start for New Orleans, so a deal with him would no doubt include C Jonas Valanciunas and possibly someone like Dyson Daniels, and maybe even a pick as well. Although Allen isn’t as good as Valanciunas offensively and can’t space the floor, it is understandable to see why the Pelicans would have interest in a player like Allen, especially given his youth. I would probably argue that this is the number one trade target for New Orleans, so definitely something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

Veteran Point Guard- Tyus Jones

CJ McCollum has been very good for the Pelicans this season, even shooting a career high from deep. But he isn’t a true point guard. That’s where Tyus Jones comes in. Jones is quietly having a very nice season for a struggling Washington team, averaging over 12 PPG and 6 APG while shooting over 50% from the field and over 42% from 3. Like Allen, Jones does not play with a scorer’s mindset, and would truly be a nice piece for many contenders all over the league. Because the Wizards are so far below .500, it would make a lot of sense for them to trade the 27 year old, especially if they could get more picks and young players. Jones wouldn’t have to start for the Pelicans to be successful, but definitely could if need be. While I don’t expect the Pels to make a big push for a player like him, I would 100% be supportive of a trade for Jones if the Pelicans were able to get him at the right price.

The Big Star- Lauri Markkanen



Let’s close with the biggest long-shot. Lauri Markkanen has been incredible since being traded to the Utah Jazz a few years ago, as he’s currently averaging 24 PPG, 9 RPG, and 2 APG on nearly 50% shooting and 39% from beyond the arc. Markkanen is surely one of the most underrated players in the game today, and he would make an incredible impact to this New Orleans team. I don’t see Utah being completely unwilling to let go of Markkanen, but I don’t see the price being very low either. A deal like this would require multiple rotational players for the Pels, as well as multiple first round picks. The Pelicans trading for Markkanen would certainly surprise me, but it would also convince the fanbase that the front office is finally all in and ready to win a championship now. Adding Markkanen to this core of guys would create for one of the best lineups in the game of basketball, and it would immediately make the Pelicans a true Western Conference force.

Young with Upside: Nick Richards

Now this is a name I haven’t seen brought up in many mock trades. I think Richards would be the perfect backup 5 for this Pels team, and could even be a starter if the Pelicans front office and coaching staff trusted him enough. The 4th year Charlotte Hornet is averaging 8.7 PPG on nearly 70% from the floor, and is grabbing 7.6 boards along with 1.3 blocks in his time on the floor, which has mostly come in backup minutes. Since it was reported that Charlotte would be open to trading anyone other than Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller, Richards is definitely gettable and probably wouldn’t cost a huge amount for New Orleans either. While I don’t necessarily have him on my Pelicans radar, it’s entirely possible that the Pels would go after someone like him in Charlotte at the last minute, similarly to what they did with Josh Richardson last year, although that trade was mainly to get off of Devonte Graham’s contract.

A Big Rental- Nic Claxton

Imagine a slightly younger version of Jarrett Allen. Nets C Nic Claxton is having a nearly identical year to Allen in all but one category: blocks. While he isn’t as good offensively, averaging a few less points and shooting worse, especially from the FT line, Claxton is averaging an astonishing 2.3 BPG and would no doubt be a defensive anchor in New Orleans. While I have seen his name linked to a few New Orleans mock trades, I do not fully expect the Nets to be willing to sell Claxton, and I believe they would receive a big package for him if he is traded. I’m sure the Pelicans would be more willing to go after someone like Allen, as he’s only one year older and would probably be cheaper to obtain, but no one would be mad if the Pelicans tried Claxton instead. I could definitely see him being a key piece of the team if he ends up being traded here.

What Does It Mean?

        All of this being said, I fully expect the Pelicans, if they make any moves at the deadline (which they should), to be buyers. They should be on the phone with any and every GM around the league trying to make moves, hopefully for one or more of the guys I have listed above. Let’s see how different this Pelicans team looks come early February!

 -Drew Duvieilh  (@Drew_Duvieilh) on X