The New Orleans Pelicans have traded Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, and one of the assets that they got in return was the fourth overall pick in this Thursday's draft.
They have an opportunity to add another prospect to pair with potential top pick Zion Williamson. However, the Pels are reportedly shopping the fourth pick in order to acquire more assets that they can use to help them rebuild.
Now, there are teams that will be highly interested in the fourth overall pick, which means that it is possible for the Pelicans to get something valuable in return for it. So to which teams should they trade it to?
Let's look at some.
3. New York Knicks
The Knicks are reportedly not sure with what they will do with the third overall pick. Like the Pelicans, they are also considering their options on what to do with it.
There are speculations that Knicks could trade down in the draft. There are also rumors that the Pelicans are interested with the third overall pick, so there is a possibility that both teams could swap their selections on Thursday.
This makes sense for the Pelicans because they will have an opportunity to pair Williamson with projected third overall pick RJ Barrett. As for the Knicks, they can also benefit from this deal as they will be able to select Darius Garland, who had a last-minute workout with the team.
Either way, this is a win-win situation for both teams. If their goal is to still get a quality player on Thursday, swapping picks won't hurt them that much.
Although this year's draft class is considered top-three heavy, the top prospects shouldn't be disregarded either.
2. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are reportedly willing to trade the eighth and tenth overall pick to trade up in the draft, and one of their targets could be the Pels' fourth overall pick. However, this will depend primarily on New Orleans' plans this summer.
If the Pelicans are planning to acquire another player from another team, then having multiple picks to offer will surely help them make it happen. They won't let go of the first overall selection, so if they can turn the fourth pick into multiple draft picks, they will surely do it.
That's where Atlanta should come in.
As for the Hawks, landing the Pels' pick will have a positive effect on their team. They already have the promising tandem of Trae Young and John Collins, and adding someone like Darius Garland, De'Andre Hunter, Jarrett Culver, or Cam Reddish into that mix will definitely make their rebuild a little bit quicker.
Of course, assuming that all three players live up to their potential.
1. Boston Celtics
The Celtics may have failed to acquire Anthony Davis from the Pelicans, but maybe they can use some of their assets to strike a different deal with New Orleans.
It has been reported that Boston has no interest in integrating three rookies next season and that they are willing to trade almost all their first round picks. The Celtics have the 14th, 20th, and 22nd picks in this Thursday's draft, so why not offer them to the Pels?
Again, this will only work if the Pelicans are working on another trade that needs multiple draft picks, or if they want to add more young prospects next season.
And of course, the fourth overall pick can definitely provide the Celtics with another player that can immediately contribute and play with the young core of Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, and Jaylen Brown.
Honorable Mentions
Phoenix Suns – It has been reported that they are reportedly impressed with projected fourth overall pick Darius Garland and will look to find a way to draft him Thursday. They will offer sixth overall pick to the Pelicans.
Chicago Bulls – Same as the Suns, also ‘high' on Garland. Will likely offer seventh overall pick.
Indiana Pacers – They do not have much to offer outside of the 18th overall pick. Maybe they can package it with either Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis, or a set of future first round picks.
The Next Step for the Pelicans
It seems that after the first and second overall picks, no draft selection is safe from a trade between now and on Thursday night.
The Pelicans are expected to continue to gauge the interest of other teams on the fourth overall pick, so if they get a deal done, expect it to be something that will benefit them in the long run.
However, even if they end up keeping the fourth pick, the Pelicans are still in a good spot. Who knows? They might draft someone that will play a key role in their success over the next couple of years.
Trading AD was just the first step for the Pels.
They intend to continue wheeling and dealing until their offseason plans have been met, which is good because it gives fans in New Orleans the confidence in what their new-look front office can do.
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