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The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly trying to acquire a small forward to help them out on offense, according to Jordan Brenner of The Athletic.
The Pelicans have been alternating between playing E’Twaun Moore and Solomon Hill at the small forward spot. Moore is one of the most underrated players in the NBA and on a value contract, but he's too small to play that position. Hill is making $12 million and doesn't produce like a player who is making that much money.
As a result, the Pelicans have been on the phones trying to trade for a high-caliber small forward. They wanted to get Kelly Oubre Jr. or Otto Porter Jr. from the Washington Wizards, but Oubre is now with the Phoenix Suns. Porter could still be an option, though.
“E’Twaun Moore is quietly one of the most undervalued guys in the league on one of the better contracts,” says the first West scout. “A lot of guys across the league love him and would take him in a heartbeat. But he’s not a 3. Eventually they’re going to have to upgrade.”
The Pelicans have acknowledged as much by moving Moore to the bench and giving Hill another run in the starting lineup. But Hill has shown that he isn’t the answer, which means help must come from outside of the organization.
“I know they’re talking to a lot of teams,” says the East exec.
The Pelicans started the season 4-0. They are 15-16 entering Monday. The loss of point guard Elfrid Payton is a big reason why New Orleans has struggled, but the lack of production from the small forward spot has really hurt the team as well.
