The New Orleans Pelicans have reached a crossroads, navigating a season marred by injuries and disappointment and feeling the burden of five-plus seasons without a playoff series win. With a league-worst 5-29 record, the team is reportedly ready to make drastic changes ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, and Zion Williamson are at the center of these discussions, and any trade scenarios involving one or more of that trio will dramatically reshape the Pelicans’ future.
Brandon Ingram: The Biggest Domino to Fall?
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks, trading Brandon Ingram is the Pelicans’ top priority. The 27-year-old forward in the ninth season of his career and the final year of his contract, is seeking a four-year, $200 million extension—an incredibly steep price for a talented player who hasn’t shown he’s able to stay healthy or raise the Pelicans’ floor in the Western Conference.
Ingram has struggled to stay on the court, playing in 65 or more games just once in his nine-year career, and that was as a rookie. He’s already missed 16 games this season due to a high-grade left ankle sprain. When healthy, he’s averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on efficient shooting splits, though there are still concerns about how his game translates in today’s NBA. Ingram’s value is also complicated by his $36 million salary and the Pelicans’ desire to avoid long-term luxury tax commitments.
Reportedly, teams like the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs have inquired about Ingram, while the Golden State Warriors have also expressed interest. However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps highlight the challenges of finding a suitable trade partner willing to meet Ingram’s contract demands while offering the Pelicans the type of assets that could help them retool in a post-Ingram era.
Any trade involving Ingram would likely focus on acquiring draft picks and/or young players who can develop into strong role players. For the Pelicans, the choice is clear, make the trade or risk letting him walk in free agency for nothing. At worst the Pelicans could arrange a sign-and-trade deal after the season to secure more money for Ingram as he heads to his next team.
Herb Jones: A Defensive Anchor Too Valuable to Lose?
While much of the attention is on Ingram, Herb Jones has also attracted interest from contending teams like the Dallas Mavericks. Jones earned his first selection on the NBA All-Defensive First Team last season. He’s averaging career highs this year in points, rebounds, and assists, further solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s best wing defenders.
Despite their dismal record, the Pelicans seem reluctant to part with Jones. According to Christian Clark of The Athletic, who previously covered the Pelicans for NOLA.com, rival executives believe it’s unlikely New Orleans will move Jones before the trade deadline. The Pelicans rightfully see Jones as a player who contributes to winning, and his contract makes him even more valuable. However, if the price is right, New Orleans should consider moving the former second-rounder.
| 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
| Herb Jones | 6.3 | 3.2 | 2.8 | 13.7 |
| Brandon Ingram | 8.1 | 1.6 | -1.9 | 1.4 |
| CJ McCollum | 5.4 | -3.5 | -2.3 | 0.6 |
| Trey Murphy | -0.1 | -4.0 | 4.6 | -3.4 |
| Zion Williamson | N/A | 6.9 | -5.2 | 6.6 |
Zion Williamson: A Risk Worth Taking?
Though the Pelicans are committed to keeping him, there are trade rumors involving Zion Williamson, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury after appearing in just six games this season. Injuries have plagued Williamson’s career, limiting him to 166 games out of a possible 351 since entering the league. Yet, his potential remains tantalizing for a general manager or owner who thinks they can get the most out of Zion.
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly a “logical fit” for Williamson, per MacMahon and Marks. With $40 million in expiring contracts, three first-round picks, and young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, the Warriors could put together an intriguing package. Williamson’s ability to dominate as an interior scorer and rebounder would add a new dimension to Golden State’s offense, though his health would still be a major concern.
Williamson has plenty of financial appeal because his contract, filled with incentives and benchmarks, is unique for an NBA “superstar” as it is not fully guaranteed.
One anonymous Eastern Conference exec called Zion’s deal “one of the best contracts in the NBA.” He also articulated the thoughts of Pelicans fans everywhere. “It’s really hard to see anybody paying a ton for him right now, but there are a very limited number of players in the league when healthy who are at or near the franchise-player tier,” said the executive. “The only way you win at the highest level is to have a guy who can do the type of things he can do if he’s healthy.”
What’s Next for the Pelicans?
The Pelicans’ front office faces a delicate balancing act. Moving Ingram seems like the inevitable step. Trading Jones would be a tougher sell, to the coaching staff and the fan base, as his defensive ability and overall team play could be a cornerstone for future success. As for Williamson, any deal involving the former No. 1 pick would be as risky as it is potentially rewarding.
Beyond individual trades, the Pelicans’ biggest challenge is deciding whether to fully embrace a rebuild or attempt to retool around their remaining core. Injuries have taken away any reasonable chance to evaluate their lineup at full strength, but their 5-29 record and overall lack of consistent success shows that something is broken.
If the Pelicans do decide to sell, maximizing returns for Ingram and potentially exploring blockbuster deals for players like Williamson could set the stage for a brighter future. Until then, the clock is ticking, and the trade deadline looms large over a franchise in need of answers.
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