The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a critical period as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches, sitting at 11-36 and last in the Western Conference. NBA Insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reports the front office is shifting from small adjustments to an aggressive approach focused on shedding underperforming contracts and gaining size to compete in the league’s “Big Ball” era.
Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones are considered untouchable. Williamson, 25, remains a dominant force when healthy, averaging 22 points per game, while Murphy III leads the team with 22.3 points and 6 rebounds per game. Jones anchors the defense and provides cultural stability and stability on the field. League sources indicate that moving these players would require a “Godfather offer” with multiple unprotected first-round picks and a top prospect.
The Pelicans are targeting highly paid defensive players Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray for potential trades. Poole’s $34 million contract and inconsistent play, combined with Murray’s awkward partnership with Zion, have made the pair major obstacles to roster flexibility. New Orleans is looking for trades that will create cap space and allow the team to address deficiencies in the paint.
A major motivation for deadline activity is reclaiming a first-round pick for 2026. The Pelicans traded their unprotected pick to the Atlanta Hawks last summer to select Derik Queen in anticipation of a playoff run. With the team struggling, the front office is looking to reclaim a top pick from its own roster or another team to secure talent for a deep 2026 draft class.
Young, tradable assets are in play to facilitate these moves. Sophomore Yves Missi is a defensive anchor with All-Rookie potential and is drawing interest from the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Jordan Hawkins, the 23-year-old wing, has been targeted by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors for his shooting depth. Jose Alvarado, 27, remains the most useful asset, with teams like the New York Knicks viewing him as a cost-effective, high-energy bench guard.
The Pelicans have been in discussions with multiple teams, with the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as frequent suitors. Each potential partner aligns with New Orleans’ strategy to acquire draft capital or roster flexibility while retaining the core of Zion, Murphy and Jones.
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