As the 2026 NBA trade deadline approaches, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves at a crossroads. Sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 12-36 record, the writing on the wall suggests it’s time to sell. But if the Pelicans are indeed preparing to hit the reset button, there’s one player they’d be wise to hold onto: Saddiq Bey.
Let’s rewind. When Bey arrived in New Orleans during the 2025 offseason as part of the Jordan Poole-CJ McCollum deal, he wasn’t exactly the headline piece.
Coming off an ACL injury that sidelined him for over a year, expectations were modest at best. Bey was seen as a throw-in, a flyer on a guy who might regain form.
Fast forward a few months, and he’s not just contributing-he’s thriving.
Bey is averaging 15.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 33.8% from beyond the arc. He’s already racked up 13 games with 20 or more points and is riding a hot streak, averaging 26.7 points over his last three outings. That’s not just bounce-back production-that’s starter-level impact on a team that desperately needs consistent scoring.
Now, on a rebuilding team, this is usually the part where a player like Bey gets flipped for future assets. But that would be a mistake.
A big one. Because what Bey is bringing to the table isn’t easily replaced-especially not for the kind of return the Pelicans are likely to get.
Let’s be real: the trade market is unpredictable. Just look at what happened recently-Trae Young, a four-time All-Star, was moved for expiring contracts and zero draft picks.
If that’s the going rate for a player of Young’s caliber, what exactly is the market offering for Bey? A couple of second-rounders?
Maybe a protected late first at best? That’s not nearly enough value for a player who’s already helping you win games.
And yes, Bey has directly helped New Orleans win games this season. Whether it’s hitting clutch shots or taking over late in games-like his 19-point fourth quarter against Memphis-he’s shown he can be a difference-maker. That kind of fourth-quarter presence is hard to find, and even harder to replace when you’re rebuilding from the ground up.
Then there’s the contract. Bey is under team control for the next two seasons at $6.33 million per year.
In today’s NBA, that’s a bargain for a player producing at his level. It’s the kind of deal that gives front offices flexibility and breathing room, especially when building around young, developing talent.
Rebuilding doesn’t just mean collecting draft picks like Pokémon cards. It’s about identifying players who can be part of your foundation-guys who fit your culture, complement your young core, and can grow with the team.
Bey checks all those boxes. He’s still just 27, versatile, battle-tested, and clearly motivated after working his way back from a serious injury.
If the Pelicans are serious about constructing something sustainable-not just tearing it down to the studs and hoping the ping-pong balls bounce their way-then Saddiq Bey shouldn’t be on the trade block. He should be part of the blueprint.
In a season where not much has gone right for New Orleans, Bey has been a bright spot. And in a league where value contracts and wing production are gold, he’s exactly the kind of player you keep-not cash out on.