When the New Orleans Pelicans acquired Derrick Favors this summer, the idea was that he would be seen as a missing piece for the Pelicans and potentially an integral part of a darkhorse playoff contender.
Instead, Favors’ struggles this year have mirrored those of New Orleans as a whole. Favors returned to the lineup on Friday in a loss to Philadelphia after a lengthy break following the death of his mother. The next handful of weeks, though, could serve as an audition for Favors and a potential suitor in the trade market.
From Heavy’s Sean Deveney:
According to league sources, one of the more disappointing players on one of the league’s more disappointing teams—Derrick Favors of the Pelicans—is being “monitored” by several teams. There’s still no indication that New Orleans, with Favors having missed time because of back spasms and the death of his mother, will raise a metaphorical white flag, sell off veteran pieces and look ahead to next season.
On the year, Favors has a net rating of -3.7, one that isn’t inspiring on the surface. However, that mark is the third-best on the Pelicans this season with Jaxson Hayes and Kenrich Williams the only two players with better figures. Interestingly, it’s the offense that plays better with Favors on the floor as his 109.0 rating on that end is second to only JJ Redick’s 109.5 offensive rating in New Orleans.
But while Favors has been valuable this season, each loss for the Pelicans drops them further and further from contention and closer to trades. Hayes’ performance this season has also made Favors more expendable. Drafted No. 8 overall in last year’s draft, Hayes has exceeded expectations and played his way into regular minutes this season.
Add in the fact Favors is an expiring deal and the likely conclusion is that he’ll be dealt. As a solid defensive big man, he’ll certainly have a market and could still yet net the Pelicans value on his way out.