The New Orleans Pelicans made some moves at the Trade Deadline to set themselves up for a brighter future. New Orleans is going all-in around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
They made a trade to acquire CJ McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers, which adds a scoring punch to the team. The Pelicans also have Jonas Valanciunas at center, who fits around the rest of the roster left. Williamson has been out the whole season and has no timetable to return.
However, they are making moves to fight for a spot in the play-in tournament without him. The Pelicans are in 11th place in the Western Conference at 22-34 and are a half-game behind the Blazers for the last spot in the play-in tournament.
Adding some role players via the buyout market would help them make it to the postseason.
Pelicans Buyout Candidates
3. De'Andre Bembry
De'Andre Bembry was bought out by the Brooklyn Nets to create a roster spot for their acquisitions in the James Harden trade. Bembry is a solid depth wing that can play defense and has an improved three-point shot.
This season, Bembry is averaging 5.8 points per game along with one steal. He is shooting a career-high from the field at 56.8 percent and from three at 41.7 percent. With Josh Hart dealt to the Blazers in the McCollum trade, New Orleans is in need of wing depth.
Bembry would be a viable option to fill this role, getting around 10-15 minutes per game.
The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to get going this season and are expected to be active in the buyout market. In order to pursue those options, they will need to open up roster spots. DeAndre Jordan and Kent Bazemore are the two likely candidates to be bought out as they have both fallen out of the rotation.
While Bazemore hasn't been as productive as last season, he can still be a solid three and d wing. Bazemore is averaging 3.7 points per game while shooting 32.8 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three. Although these numbers aren't great, he averaged 7.2 points per game and shot 40.8 percent from behind the arc last season.
A new situation and more consistent minutes could get him back to this form, making him a valuable player again.
1. Gary Harris
While the two aforementioned targets would be great, Gary Harris is the best option. Harris is a premier three and d player who would help get them into the playoffs. He is averaging 11.4 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from behind the arc.
The 6'4” wing can guard opposing teams' best guard while providing great shooting at the other end. Harris would fit well for almost any team, which is why many teams are expected to pursue him if he is bought out. While he will be targeted by many teams, the Pelicans should still make an offer.
New Orleans has been led this season by the dynamic play of Ingram. Without Williamson, he has been the number one option and is showcasing the player he is. Ingram is averaging 22.7 points per game, along with 5.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
While he's having a solid season, the Pelicans have not had a great season. The addition of McCollum will help them, but adding depth is the next move they need to make.
Adding any of these players would help them make it to the postseason. However, if they want to hit their maximum potential, they will need Williamson to return.
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