The New Orleans Pelicans have been a rollercoaster of a team this NBA season. With a record of 8-22, they are sitting four and a half games back from a Play-In spot. It’s safe to say that they have not lived up to their potential and expectations.
But with the trade deadline looming, the Pelicans have a decision to make – to sell or not to sell? On paper, it seems like a no-brainer for them to be sellers. However, when it comes to their most sought-after assets, Trey Murphy III and Josh Hart, the Pelicans seem to have their asking price set too high.
Let’s start with Trey Murphy III. The rookie has been a pleasant surprise for the Pelicans this season. He’s been shooting 40% from beyond the arc and has proven to be a reliable defender as well. With such a promising young talent on their roster, it’s no wonder that other teams are interested in acquiring Murphy. However, the Pelicans are reportedly asking for a first-round pick in exchange for him. While Murphy has shown potential, it’s a steep price to pay for a rookie who is still developing and has yet to prove himself in the league.
On the other hand, there’s Josh Hart, who has been a key contributor for the Pelicans this season. He’s averaging 14.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and his hustle and energy on the court have been crucial for the team. It’s no surprise that teams are interested in acquiring him. But once again, the Pelicans seem to have their asking price set too high. They are reportedly asking for multiple first-round picks in exchange for Hart. While he’s a valuable player, it’s hard to justify such a high price for a role player.
So why are the Pelicans asking for such high prices for their players? One reason could be that they are trying to make up for their previous mistakes. In 2019, the Pelicans traded away Anthony Davis to the Lakers in exchange for a haul of players and picks. However, most of those picks were for future drafts, and the Pelicans are now trying to cash in on them. But in doing so, they might be hindering their chances of making a trade that could actually benefit them in the present.
Another reason could be that they simply value Murphy and Hart highly and are not willing to part with them easily. Both players have been playing well for the Pelicans and have bright futures ahead of them. The Pelicans might see them as key pieces for their future and are not willing to let them go for anything less than what they believe they are worth.
But at the end of the day, the Pelicans need to be realistic. With their current record, it’s highly unlikely that they will make a push for the playoffs this season. And holding on to their assets and asking for such high prices might not be the best decision for the team’s long-term success. It’s important for the Pelicans to think about the future of the franchise and not just focus on the present.
There are teams out there that are willing to trade for Murphy and Hart, but not at the Pelicans’ asking price. It might be time for the Pelicans to reevaluate their approach and be more open to reasonable offers. They have a talented young core in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, and they need to surround them with the right pieces if they want to have any chance of success in the future.
In conclusion, the New Orleans Pelicans are indeed one of the strangest teams in the NBA this season. While they have the potential to be sellers at the trade deadline, their asking price for their most sought-after assets, Trey Murphy III and Josh Hart, seems to be too high. It’s time for the Pelicans to be realistic and make smart moves for the betterment of their team’s future. Only then can they truly turn things around and become a competitive team in the NBA.