NBA Trade Deadline: 5 teams now relying on free agency
By Tom West
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans didn’t make a trade with the soon-to-be free agent Ryan Anderson, they haven’t addressed any areas of weakness, and they are generally leaving the deadline in the exact same position: troubled with even more troubles to come in free agency.
From their failed offensive improvement under new head coach Alvin Gentry to their dismal 27th ranked defense, the Pelicans have more than their fair share of problems. This is before even considering the injuries that have persistently attacked them, which only makes matters harder going forward. However, you’d think that, if at all possible, they would have made something happen at the deadline.
Primarily, the fact that Anderson is still in New Orleans is startling. He was easily one of the NBA’s players most likely to be dealt on Thursday due to his expiring $8.5 million contract and the draw he’ll have as a highly sought after stretch four in free agency. Anderson should easily pick up a sizeable contract that will push him out of the Pelicans’ price range, yet that’s a problem they can’t avoid now that he’s staying put.
This is just the start, though.
Rumors also emerged that the Pelicans were considering trading Tyreke Evans, who hasn’t been the ideal fit with the way he can dominate the ball and hinder the offense. Eric Gordon is making a generous $15.5 million this season and he’s on an expiring contract, which gave New Orleans even more incentive to move him elsewhere (despite the injury issues, of course). It would be have helped to move Omer Asik too, although the interest for him and his contracted $30 million over the next three years would have received minimal interest.
Essentially, the Pelicans just needed to attempt some deals to free themselves of impending free agents like Anderson and Gordon who they may easily lose for nothing. This has prevented them from adding possible assets, no matter how valuable, already.
With key players who are likely on their way out, the Pelicans will need to hope that some talented free agents are willing to help a struggling team with the bright spark that is Anthony Davis. If not, they’ll have a tough time putting together a roster that will fare any better than this season.
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