The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a precarious position as the NBA season progresses, currently holding a dismal record of 5-22. The team, loaded with potential talent, has struggled primarily due to a series of injuries that have plagued key players. Zion Williamson has barely seen the court this season, and fellow star Brandon Ingram is also sidelined. To complicate matters further, point guard Dejounte Murray is dealing with a hand injury, while CJ McCollum and several other players have faced their own health issues.
Former Pelican Dyson Daniels has added to the narrative of despair, describing the organization as “cursed,” a sentiment that seems to resonate with fans and analysts alike. The combination of injuries and underperformance has left many questioning the viability of the current roster, which includes Williamson, Ingram, McCollum, and Murray. With the Pelicans struggling to find their footing, the idea of them becoming sellers at the upcoming trade deadline is gaining traction.
Reports suggest that only three players—Herb Jones, rookie V. Mei, and Trey Murphy—are deemed untouchable, which leaves the rest of the roster up for discussion. Analysts are speculating whether the Los Angeles Lakers might take advantage of this situation to bolster their own roster. The Lakers have previously expressed interest in acquiring Murray, and now could be the perfect time to revisit that pursuit.
Murray, who has underperformed since joining the Pelicans, is averaging under 17 points per game with a shooting percentage below 37%. Despite his struggles, he remains an intriguing option for the Lakers, who may be able to match his contract through a trade involving D’Angelo Russell and other players. However, concerns about Murray’s fit within the Lakers’ system, particularly regarding spacing and defensive consistency, linger.
The prospect of trading for Williamson, while theoretically appealing due to his undeniable talent, raises red flags. Concerns about his extensive injury history and the potentially steep price in terms of draft picks and player assets make such a move risky for the Lakers. Similarly, while McCollum could offer some offensive depth, his contract and the potential cost involved dissuade the Lakers from pursuing him.
Brandon Ingram presents another option, given his scoring ability and playmaking sšš¾ššs. However, his injury-prone nature and the Lakers’ existing roster dynamics make this a complicated fit as well.
In summary, the Pelicans’ struggles have opened the door for potential trades, and the Lakers could find themselves involved. While Murray appears to be the most viable trade target, both Williamson and Ingram also warrant consideration, albeit with significant reservations. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on New Orleans and Los Angeles to see if any deals materialize that could reshape their futures. The discussions surrounding these potential trades highlight the ever-changing dynamics of the NBA, where fortunes can shift dramatically with just one transaction.