5 trade targets for the Pelicans to pursue at the deadline - Pelican Debrief

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Forward Kelly Olynyk (9) attempts a three-point field goal in the second quarter while defended by New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Pelicans are in between being buyers and sellers at the NBA trade deadline.

They are still very much in the mix for the play-in tournament but lack the talent without Zion Williamson to make a real run in the playoffs.

The right deadline addition(s) could help their cause, but the Pelicans don’t want to do too much to disrupt the culture they are building in New Orleans, as Willie Green has something special brewing and the Pels don’t need to make a trade just to do something.

Yesterday I wrote about five players they should avoid, with most of the list including high-priced and inefficient guards who are not a great long-term fit with Zion and Brandon Ingram.

Today, we’ll take a look at some guys that would be better fits with what they have, give the Pelicans a boost and not cost them their entire stack of assets.

5 trade targets for the New Orleans Pelicans

Bench help: Stretch Bigs

Mike Muscala and Kelly Olynyk

Neither of these guys would be the final piece to a championship by any means, but they would help the Pelicans woeful bench, wouldn’t cost a ton and are guys that would fit with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

Muscala is shooting just under 44 percent from long range this season, runs the pick-and-roll well and would give the Pels a weapon off the bench.

He’s on a lowball contract that runs through next season and would add some solid veteran depth without breaking the bank, as the Pels could probably have him for a second-round draft pick.

Olynyk is signed for two seasons past this one, though the final one is only partially guaranteed.

He too provides a big man who can shoot, run the pick-and-roll well and would be a great fit with Zion as a stretch five.

Olynyk would cost more in terms of a trade, but he is a solid defender, plays with heart and would fit right into this Pelicans group.

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5 trade targets for the Pelicans to pursue at the deadline - Pelican Debrief
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