For a team sitting at 5-22, the New Orleans Pelicans have become a surprising hub of trade chatter-and the latest name drawing interest around the league is Saddiq Bey.
Bey, now in his first season with the Pelicans, has reportedly caught the eye of multiple contending teams, according to Evan Sidery. And frankly, it makes sense. He’s been a versatile, low-cost contributor for New Orleans, and in a league where depth and flexibility are at a premium, Bey checks a lot of boxes.
Let’s start with the context. Bey missed the entire 2024-25 season recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in March 2024. That kind of injury can derail a player's trajectory, but Bey has used his time in New Orleans to do exactly what you'd hope from a player trying to reestablish his value-play tough, smart basketball and show he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
So far this season, he's averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. But those numbers have climbed to 18.3 points, 8.1 boards, and 2.7 assists over his last 11 games since moving into the starting lineup. That’s not just a hot streak-it’s a sign that he’s getting his legs under him and finding rhythm in a larger role.
What makes Bey so intriguing is how he gets his buckets. He’s not just floating around the perimeter waiting for kick-outs.
He’s physical. He’s aggressive.
He’s been bullying defenders in the paint with a throwback kind of game-backing guys down, finishing through contact, and making defenses work. His three-point shot is still a bit streaky, but he’s shooting 34.1% from deep, enough to keep defenses honest.
Overall, he’s putting up 44.6% from the field and 76.6% from the line-solid, dependable numbers for a player who can toggle between starter and sixth man depending on the matchup.
And then there’s the contract. Bey is on one of the better value deals in the league right now.
Originally signed by the Washington Wizards to a three-year, $19 million contract, he’s making just $6.1 million this season and is set to earn $6.4 million next year. In today’s NBA economy, that’s a bargain for a player producing at this level.
For contenders looking to shore up their bench or plug a gap in the rotation without blowing up the books, Bey is a prime target.
Of course, New Orleans doesn’t have to move him. Despite their record, Bey has been one of the bright spots in a tough season.
He’s versatile, he’s affordable, and he’s playing with an edge that any rebuilding team would want to keep around. But with the trade deadline approaching and playoff-bound teams looking to bolster their rosters, expect the calls to keep coming.
Whether the Pelicans decide to cash in or hold firm, one thing’s clear: Saddiq Bey has put himself back on the map.