With just a week left until the NBA’s February 8th trade deadline, some big deals have already been made. The Toronto Raptors have jumpstarted their rebuild by sending OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam to new basketball zip codes, while the New Orleans Pelicans have also gotten in on the early action by sending Kira Lewis Jr. out with a second-rounder to avoid the luxury tax. While some fans may be upset if the Pelicans stand pat, missing out on a golden opportunity to upgrade on the cheap would be the most awful scenario. The Pelicans need to be active on the phones and make sure they don’t lose out to lower-valued trade packages at the deadline. Dream acquisitions like Jaren Jackson Jr. or Lauri Markkanen would cost several first-round draft picks, while Jordan Clarkson, Bruce Brown, and Malcolm Brogdon are also intriguing options with enticing price tags. The Pelicans can afford to stand pat, but it seems unlikely, and fans will be near revolt if they miss out on a clearance rack type deal and a difference-maker instead lands with a Western Conference rival.
With just a week left until the NBA’s February 8th trade deadline, some big deals have already been made. The Toronto Raptors have jumpstarted their rebuild by sending OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam to new basketball zip codes, while the New Orleans Pelicans have also gotten in on the early action by sending Kira Lewis Jr. out with a second-rounder to avoid the luxury tax. While some fans may be upset if the Pelicans stand pat, missing out on a golden opportunity to upgrade on the cheap would be the most awful scenario. The Pelicans need to be active on the phones and make sure they don’t lose out to lower-valued trade packages at the deadline. Dream acquisitions like Jaren Jackson Jr. or Lauri Markkanen would cost several first-round draft picks, while Jordan Clarkson, Bruce Brown, and Malcolm Brogdon are also intriguing options with enticing price tags. The Pelicans can afford to stand pat, but it seems unlikely, and fans will be near revolt if they miss out on a clearance rack type deal and a difference-maker instead lands with a Western Conference rival.
