The New Orleans Pelicans aren’t living up to expectations once again, although both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are playing well. One big name that hasn’t met the hype, however, is Lonzo Ball. His three-point shooting percentage is down more than 5%. Assists and rebounds are also down to near rookie-year lows. Ball, however, is talented. The Pelicans just may not be an ideal fit right now. With Ball heading into free agency this coming offseason, expect New Orleans to consider moving him before losing him for nothing.
Lonzo Ball Trade Ideas
Lonzo Ball Bolsters the Dallas Mavericks Backcourt
The trade: The Pelicans trade Ball and Willy Hernangomez to the Dallas Mavericks for Dwight Powell, Jalen Brunson, and a second-round pick.
In this trade, the Pelicans add more frontcourt depth and add another solid young guard.
Powell is slowly on his way out of the Dallas rotation. With that being said, he’s a tough player and above-average on the pick-and-roll. At times, when he’s not forcing it, Powell can also be a long-range threat. He’ll be thrown into the frontcourt rotation of Williamson, Steven Adams, and Jaxson Hayes.
Brunson is a terrific young guard who has future Sixth Man of the Year written all over him. He’s either a sparkplug scoring in bunches or a cool, calm, and collected floor general guiding the second-unit. Although still on his rookie deal, Brunson certainly looks like a veteran at times.
Ball is the prize for the Mavericks here. With their cap space this coming offseason, they can easily extend him as well. Although Luka Doncic has improved defensively, Ball will definitely straighten up the backcourt’s defense. Pairing him with Josh Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith gives Dallas a core of perimeter defenders as well. In addition, Ball can help limit Doncic’s usage.
Hernangomez is a solid bench option for a big man. He’s not merely a throw-in in this case, as he can certainly find his way into a rotation.
Ball Continues the New York Knicks Rise
The trade: The Pelicans send Ball to the New York Knicks for Frank Ntilikina and the Mavericks’ first-round pick.
Don’t look now, but the Knicks are playing solid basketball. This is due in large part to their terrific defense. Ball will only add to this, making him an ideal trade target for New York. Like Dallas, they have plenty of room to extend him this offseason. The Knicks also do not have a true floor general, and Ball will have a good opportunity to flourish and show why he was drafted second overall in a role like this. The league knows the Ball family thrives under the bright lights, and this is Ball’s chance.
New Orleans gets another solid defensive guard in Ntilikina in this trade. He won’t handle the ball or contribute much offensively, but that may be what’s best for the Pelicans. They have Eric Bledsoe to handle that.
In addition, New Orleans will receive the Mavericks’ first-round pick which currently belongs to the Knicks. At the time of writing, this pick is a lottery pick. With that being said, the Mavericks should still make the playoffs so it’s most likely that this pick is in the 17-20 range.
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