The New Orleans Pelicans need upgrades. Discover four trade targets who can reshape the Pelicans' future and address key roster needs this offseason.
The New Orleans Pelicans do not seem to be interested in blowing up this core, but they also cannot stand pat and just run it back next season.
Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver will need to get creative in adding talent, either through the trade market or through free agency. They don't currently own a first-round pick because of the Derik Queen trade last offseason.
Here are some potential trade targets that Dumars and Weaver should consider if they decide to get active this offseason:
Miami Heat C Kel'el Ware
Ware is one of the more commonly mentioned potential Pelicans trade targets, but that's because he's a perfect fit on this team. The Heat are expected to shop pretty much everyone but Bam Adebayo this offseason, so perhaps New Orleans can actually go after him.
The 22-year-old averaged 11.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks on 53.0/39.5/74.0 shooting splits. He addresses both their lack of size in the frontcourt and is a good shooter. He would be the ideal center to pair with Queen, who should be playing the four.
Chicago Bulls C/F Jalen Smith
If Ware ends up too expensive, Smith would be a solid backup plan. He doesn't have the same high ceiling that Ware does, but he does similar things. Smith rebounds very well, both offensively and defensively, and has continued to grow as a shooter.
In 20.7 minutes a night last season, the big averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds on 48.3/37.3/74.2 shooting splits. He'll be on an expiring contract and the Bulls are in a full rebuild.
Boston Celtics SF Sam Hauser
Hauser is someone that the Celtics certainly don't have to trade, but could flip as someone on a team-friendly deal at a position they need. New Orleans could move players like Yves Missi or even Herb Jones, Hauser is the type of player they would need to add to make it worth it.
The wing is a lights-out shooter and can at least hold his own on defense. He's a career 41.2% three-point shooter. The Pelicans recently saw first-hand what he can do, as he went 8-for-12 from deep in one of the final games of the year.
Another First Round Pick
It could be dangerous waters to tread, given the controversial trade to move up last season, but Weaver's ability as a talent evaluator always makes it interesting to see what they would do in the draft.
New Orleans doesn't need to move into the top 10 to get a useful role player for next year's squad. While they shouldn't overpay, getting another first would be fun.