The New Orleans Pelicans have a terrific roster, including two All-Stars and a few other players who may be considered stars. Despite their talented starting five, Brandon Ingram led the team in assists with 5.7 per game. Expect this to change next season.
According to Nola’s Christian Clark, the Pelicans are anticipated to begin their search for an All-Star point guard this offseason. He specifically discusses continuing up where the Pels left off at last season’s trade deadline by negotiating with the Atlanta Hawks, who have an All-Star backcourt in Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
It is unclear which of the two is more tradeable this offseason, but both might provide a shock in their own unique way. Despite his defensive shortcomings owing to his diminutive stature (6-foot-1, 164 lbs), Young remains one of the NBA’s most lethal scorers, averaging 25.5 points per game over his career. He also has a strong assist percentage, averaging 9.5 APG over his career.
Murray, on the other hand, is a more versatile player who excels on defense while also racking up points, rebounds, and assists. He can play any backcourt position.
Clark also mentioned the Cavaliers as a potential trade partner, given Darius Garland’s uncertain future in Cleveland. Garland earned All-Star status in 2022, and there are reports that he may desire a trade if the Cavaliers agree to a max-level deal extension with Donovan Mitchell. If that’s the case, the Pelicans could be a perfect partner, given they’re likely looking for a scoring wing like Ingram.
Young, Murray, and Garland would all be improvements over the Pelicans’ present point guard situation, and depending on how the deal is handled, it might result in greater overall balance in the starting five. However, like with everything, the cost is the determining factor.
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