Coming into the season, the New Orleans Pelicans were seen as a darkhorse candidate for the playoffs in the Western Conference. Despite the bottom dropping out of the conference, the Pelicans have fallen even further this season. Now, instead of playoff seeds, New Orleans is once again looking at lottery odds.
Among those who have suffered most during the first half of the season is Lonzo Ball. A recent move to the bench was a long time coming. While some expected Ball and Jrue Holiday to excel in the backcourt, their massive struggles have been a microcosm of the season as a whole.
From the moment he was dealt to the Pelicans, there were questions about Ball’s fit with the team. The gluttony of young guards on the Pelicans’ roster paired with Holiday as the team leader means someone is likely expendable. As the season worsens, David Griffin will likely listen to trades for any player not named Zion Williamson.
Is Ball the odd man out? Logic would suggest it is more likely the team deals the older Holiday first. But every player will have a price. Here are five trades where the price might be right for Ball.