New Orleans Pelicans rumors: Pelicans want real assets for Austin Rivers

By Andrew Melnick | Oct 1, 2014

Apr 11, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Austin Rivers (25) brings the ball up the courst against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Back in 2012, the New Orleans Pelicans held the first and 10th picks in the NBA Draft. They used the first selection on Anthony Davis, who is developing into one of the game’s best players. They used the 10th pick on Austin Rivers, who has been a disappointment. In fact, the Pelicans have considered waiving Rivers but instead have hung on to him.

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According to Zach Lowe of Grantland, the Pelicans want “real assets” in a potential Rivers trade.

"In the chaos of LeBron James Day, the Pelicans considered both trading Rivers and waiving him with the stretch provision to make sure they had enough room to complete the Asik deal with Houston. To be clear: Stretching Rivers was an absolute last resort, and New Orleans demanded real assets for him in trade talks, per several league sources."

That’s a lot to ask for considering Rivers hasn’t shown signs of being a reliable rotation player. If the Pelicans were giving him away on the cheap, someone would probably have already taken a flyer on him.

Rivers went for 7.7 points, 2.3 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game while shooting 40.5% from the field, 36.4% from three and 63.6% from the free throw line last season. In his career, he has put up 7.0 points, 2.2 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game while shooting 39.0% from the floor, 34.6% from the three and 60.1% from the foul line in his two-year career.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

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