As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a unique position - sitting near the bottom of the standings with an 11-36 record, but with no incentive to tank. Why?
Because they don’t control their own first-round pick. That shifts the focus from long-term lottery odds to short-term competitiveness, and it opens the door for potential moves aimed at bolstering the roster right now.
Despite the struggles, the Pelicans’ front office - led by Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver - hasn’t shown any indication that they’re ready to wave the white flag. In fact, all signs point to them staying active as the February 5 trade deadline draws near. And while the core trio of Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy appears to be off-limits in trade talks, that doesn’t mean the team is standing pat.
Names like Jose Alvarado and Yves Missi have surfaced in trade chatter, and even Jordan Poole has been loosely linked to New Orleans in recent weeks. But if the Pelicans do decide to make a move, who might they realistically target?
According to Sam Vecenie’s updated NBA Trade Board, two players stand out as potential fits for New Orleans: Jonathan Kuminga and Robert Williams.
Jonathan Kuminga: A High-Upside Gamble
Let’s start with Kuminga, the 23-year-old forward from Golden State. He’s been a recurring name in Pelicans-related rumors, particularly in hypothetical packages involving Trey Murphy - but let’s be clear, that kind of deal isn’t happening. The Warriors may be open to moving Kuminga, but they’re not getting a player like Murphy in return.
Still, Kuminga is intriguing. He’s appeared in just 20 games this season, limited by both injuries and inconsistent playing time.
His averages - 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 45.4% shooting from the field - don’t leap off the page, but they hint at untapped potential. His three-point shooting (32.1%) and free throw percentage (74.2%) remain works in progress, but there’s enough raw talent there to warrant a closer look.
The idea here is simple: Kuminga might just need a fresh start. His frustration in Golden State has been well-documented, and it’s clear he hasn’t quite meshed with the Warriors’ system or timeline. For New Orleans, he’d be a project - but a worthwhile one, if the price is right.
That’s the key, though. The Pelicans shouldn’t be in the business of giving up significant draft capital for a player still trying to find his footing.
If Kuminga can be acquired in a three-team deal or for a modest return, it’s a swing worth taking. But if the Warriors are holding out for a first-rounder, New Orleans should walk away.
Robert Williams: A Tough Fit in the Current Rotation
Then there’s Robert Williams, the talented but oft-injured big man. On paper, he brings a lot to the table: rim protection, rebounding, and a defensive presence in the paint that could help any team. But for the Pelicans, the fit just isn’t there right now.
New Orleans already has a rotation of bigs that includes Kevon Looney, and while Williams is certainly an upgrade in terms of athleticism and shot-blocking, the margin isn’t wide enough to justify the move - especially when you factor in his injury history.
Williams’ value has reportedly dipped to the level of second-round picks, which makes him a low-risk acquisition in theory. But for a team like the Pelicans, who need to be strategic with their limited assets, even second-rounders might be better used elsewhere - or simply held onto for future flexibility.
Bottom Line
The Pelicans are in a tricky spot - not good enough to contend, but with no reason to tank. That makes them one of the more unpredictable teams heading into the deadline. They’re not likely to make a blockbuster move, but they could look to add a young piece with upside, like Kuminga, if the opportunity presents itself.
Williams, while a solid player, doesn’t move the needle enough to justify a deal right now. New Orleans needs to be smart, not splashy, as they navigate a pivotal stretch in their rebuild.
In a season where the standings don’t tell the whole story, the Pelicans’ approach to the trade deadline could say a lot about where this franchise is headed - and how quickly they want to get there.