Fansided

NBA Rumors: 5 draft day trades New Orleans Pelicans should make

By Parker Hurley

Mar 3, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at New Orleans Pelicans /

4. D’Angelo Russell

Russell was taken second overall in stronger class than this years, but it was a shaky year to say the least. He had maturing issues on the court and off of it, and while it is very early into his career, he probably was not the second best player in the class.

While it may be hard to let go of Russell for the sixth pick, they would have to consider the player on the board. The Lakers have already had an infatuation with Buddy Hield. Mock drafts have him scattered throughout the top ten, but there is definitely a chance he is available at number six.

If the Lakers add Ingram, and are able to add Hield it would be one heck of a haul. Hield is two years older than Russell, but would be under contract for an extra year.

For the Pelicans, they get the second pick of last year’s draft at a discount, and they get their ball handler of the future in New Orleans. A change of scenery may be better for Russell, and Davis seems like a better mentor type than Nick Young for the prospect. It also gives them an easy out to get away from Holiday, who has seemingly been injured his entire stint in New Orleans. They may be able to trade him, and pin him with their two second round picks to get back into round one.

Next: Trade back for more picks

Home/NBA