New Orleans continues to parse the league for trades and they’ve spoken to most teams about Eric Bledsoe, Lonzo Ball, and J.J. Redick, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Reports hears.
“They’ve been calling, and where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” an assistant general manager told Fischer.
Out of the aforementioned trio, Ball appears the likeliest to remain with New Orleans beyond the trade deadline. The Pelicans have been impressed with how the eldest Ball brother has responded to the trade rumors, upping his play while accepting a secondary role behind the team’s top talent.
The Pelicans are all-in on finding the right fits next to Zion Williamson and they are in no rush to settle. Many view Ball as the franchise’s third-best player, though that doesn’t mean he’ll be the definite third option behind Zion and Brandon Ingram long-term.
As for Redick and Bledsoe, one scout told Fischer that the Pelicans “have to lower (their) asking price.”
More NBA Trade Rumors
- The Pelicans had trade talks with the Thunder throughout the season, though Fischer hears that Al Horford was never brought up by New Orleans’ front office. David Griffin & Co. appear committed to pairing Williamson with a more traditional big. “It definitely feels like that stretch 5 isn’t their priority,” said one Western Conference executive tells Fischer.
- New Orleans has no interest in Myles Turner, per the Bleacher Report scribe. The Pacers reportedly made Turner available in trade discussions during the offseason.
- Some around the league believe Alex Caruso, who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, could command a contract in the non-taxpayer mid-level exceptions range (roughly starting at $9.5 million), ESPN’s Brian Windhorst explains. Several teams are expected to show interest in the Lakers guard.
- ICYMI: The Lakers are keeping an eye on Andre Drummond should the Cavs agree to a buyout with the big man, our own Sam Amico reports. Los Angeles only has an interest if Drummond hits the buyout market; they are unlikely to trade for him.
