Barely a month removed from Lonzo Ball being included in trade rumors alongside JJ Redick, Ball appears set to stay in New Orleans through the trade deadline. Per a report from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, Ball’s month of strong play after returning from injury and being included in the rumors has secured his place with the Pelicans at least through the rest of the season.
“For now, it appears there’s little expectation New Orleans will move Ball before the March 25 trade deadline, sources said.
Pelicans officials have been impressed with how Ball responded to the trade chatter and cite his three-game break during New Orleans’ six-game road trip in mid-January as the springboard for his recent success…Many now view the point guard as New Orleans’ third-best player.”
Over his last 18 games, Ball is averaging 16.2 points, 5.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds. However, it’s his 3-point shooting that has made the difference. He is connecting at a 45.3% clip on 8.2 attempts per game in that span.
It’s a further continuation of his turn around as a shooter that began last season and has continued to an even greater degree this season. On top of his improvement as a shooter, Ball has taken another step forward defensively, adding more value to his future with the Pelicans.
The same report from Fischer indicates Redick and Eric Bledsoe’s futures in New Orleans are far, far less secure. Redick has been shopped since the original report in mid-January while Bledsoe’s struggles since landing with the franchise have never allowed him to settle with the Pelicans.
For now, it appears the only secure players long term in New Orleans are Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Ball as the underperforming Pelicans look to shake things up.