As the New Orleans Pelicans struggle with a disappointing start to the NBA season, trade rumors are swirling around some of their star players. With the team reportedly shopping Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, fans are left wondering what changes might be on the horizon.
The Pels are facing a challenging season, currently sitting at the bottom of the NBA standings with a dismal 5-25 record. Injuries have plagued the team, severely impacting their performance and leading to speculation about the future of several key players. With a series of disappointing outcomes, the Pelicans are now at a crossroads, needing to reassess their roster and strategy moving forward.
The injury struggles have primarily centered around star player Zion Williamson, who has played only six games this season due to recurring hamstring issues. Originally viewed as a cornerstone for the franchise, Williamson’s inability to stay healthy has raised concerns about his long-term viability. The Pelicans had high hopes for this season, but without their star in the lineup, they have struggled to find consistent success on the court.
In light of their struggles, rumors are swirling regarding potential trades. The organization may consider moving some of its star players to rebuild and acquire assets that could better fit their future plans. While players like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are under scrutiny, the Pelicans are reportedly keen to retain the likes of Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, who have shown promise and potential.
For the Pelicans, the upcoming trade deadline presents an opportunity to reshape their roster. The team must weigh the risks and rewards of trading their established stars against the potential of their younger talent. A successful rebuild could set the foundation for a brighter future, but it requires careful planning and execution.
New Orleans Pelicans Shopping More NBA Players, Including Starters, in Trade Rumor
Due to their struggles this season, the Pels are rumored to place their players, including several starters, on the trading block. This is detailed more in Andrew Peters’ article for Bleacher Report.
Amid a disastrous 5-24 start for the New Orleans Pelicans, the team is reportedly willing to part with some of its stars in potential trades.
But while the Pelicans could make some stars available, others remain untouchable. Per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, New Orleans “wants to keep” Trey Murphy and Herb Jones but has “been shopping” Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. Buha also noted that the Pelicans haven’t explored trades for Dejounte Murray.
“Based on the reporting intel, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones are at a certain level for them. They want to keep them,” Buha said (44:20 mark). “Those are two guys that are going to have a high price to give up, similar to L.A. with Austin Reaves. Seems like Zion, and Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum are the three guys they’ve been shopping more in terms of their core starters, and Dejounte Murray has not.”
Pelicans are actively exploring trade options following a disappointing start to the season, considering moving several star players, including Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum.
Despite their struggles, the team has decided to retain key players like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, viewing them as core assets for the future. While the Pelicans are open to trading their prominent starters, they are expected to hold a high asking price, aiming to secure valuable returns that can help reshape and strengthen the roster moving forward.
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