NBA Trade Rumors: New Orleans Pelicans expected to trade Austin Rivers
By Josh Hill
The New Orleans Pelicans have suffered a rash of injuries lately that will likely force their hand on the trade market. Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Tuesday that the team has already been in active trade talks with other teams in the NBA and we now know some names to expect involved in deadline deals out of New Orleans.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Pelicans are continuing to shop Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans but are most likely to trade Austin Rivers before the deadline passes.
"The Pelicans look like they are going to trade guard Austin Rivers at the deadline, sources close to the situation believe there has been agreement in place all season to move him if playing time and opportunity did not become available. Rivers has seen his minutes increase over the last 14 games, which might be showcasing him for a deal."
Rivers hasn’t really panned out for the Pelicans since he was drafted in the lottery a few years ago, but his potential remains high and he could develop if put in the right system. There’s a chance that Doc Rivers trades for his son while the Clippers sort out their point guard situation, but that’s pure speculation.
Either way, it seems Rivers is on his way out in New Orleans and if the Pelicans pull the trigger on a deal, it will most likely involve Austin Rivers in some way.