With just five wins in their first 15 games and the team in the midst of a losing skid of eight losses in nine games, a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania on Tuesday indicated the Pelicans were fielding calls and trade offers on guards Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick. While not a shocking development given both will not be under contract this summer, it’s a signal that the team may be moving in a new direction early in the season.
One of the suitors many expected to be in the mix was the New York Knicks. Lacking many pieces for the future, including a long-term point guard, the Knicks could look at Ball as that long-term point guard. However, according to SNY’s Ian Begley, don’t expect New York to push hard for Ball.
Lonzo Ball is one name that’s going to be out there. The Athletic reported that teams have been talking to the Pelicans. I’m told that New Orleans is probably going to ask for a significant return on any Lonzo trade. With regards to the Knicks, I do know that some people at MSG supported the idea of trading for Lonzo entering the 2020 offseason. Obviously, the Knicks didn’t make an offer to acquire Lonzo then. As far as now, I’d be a little bit surprised if the Knicks made an aggressive move for Lonzo Ball because of the current roster construction and the early emergence of Immanuel Quickley.
Through 15 games, Immanuel Quickley is averaging 10.7 points on 37.8% shooting from the field and 34.5% shooting from 3-point range in 18.1 minutes per game off the bench. Elfrid Payton has anchored the starting spot, averaging 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 43% shooting from the field and 26.3% shooting from range.
Ball has struggled this season but still is a 23-year old point guard with four years of experience. That will likely be the line teams that trade for Ball will repeat to themselves as reasoning for making a move for the UCLA product.