With the NBA trade deadline less than 10 days out, the New Orleans Pelicans are officially on the clock-and it looks like they’re ready to make some noise. Sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Pelicans are exploring aggressive moves to shake up their roster, but one thing appears clear: Zion Williamson isn’t going anywhere.
According to league sources, New Orleans is preparing to be “ultra-aggressive” in the coming days, with a major focus on retooling around Zion rather than moving him. The front office is reportedly aiming to recoup a 2026 first-round pick-an asset they currently don’t own-which could be crucial if another rebuild is in the cards.
That missing 2026 pick looms large. Without it, the Pelicans are in a tough spot: they’re not winning now, but they also don’t hold all the draft capital they need to fully pivot toward the future. That’s where the trade block comes in.
Two names drawing attention are Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray. Both are reportedly being shopped as the Pelicans look to shed salary and shift their roster toward more size and balance. Poole’s contract, in particular, could be a sticking point, but there’s a belief that moving off one or both deals could open up flexibility for New Orleans to reshape its core.
Meanwhile, the rest of the league has been circling around Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones-two young, two-way wings who have impressed with their versatility and defensive edge. The Lakers are among the teams said to be interested, but unless a “godfather offer” comes through, both players are expected to stay put. The Pelicans clearly view Murphy and Jones as part of their long-term plans, and they’re not looking to move them just for the sake of shaking things up.
Internally, New Orleans has also held significant discussions around Yves Missi, Jordan Hawkins, and Jose Alvarado-three players who could factor into the team’s direction post-deadline. Whether that means increased roles, potential trades, or something else remains to be seen, but it’s clear the Pelicans are weighing every option as they look to recalibrate.
All of this comes at a time when Zion Williamson is starting to find his rhythm again. After leaving a recent game against the Pistons early due to illness, Zion has bounced back with a pair of strong performances, putting up 24 points in each of the Pelicans’ road wins over the Grizzlies and Spurs. His presence has been a stabilizing force, and New Orleans will need more of that if they’re going to claw their way back into the playoff picture.
Next up: a tough matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. A win there would mark just the second three-game win streak of the season for New Orleans-an important step for a team trying to build some momentum before the trade deadline reshapes the roster.
The Pelicans are at a crossroads. Do they double down on their current core and make a push, or pivot toward the future with an eye on flexibility and draft capital?
One thing’s for sure: the front office isn’t standing still. The next few days could define the next chapter of basketball in New Orleans.