The New Orleans Pelicans could be an active team before the trade deadline, and Lonzo Ball might be involved in discussions even though he was part of the return package in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Pelicans could make the 6-foot-6 point man available for the right offer, as he mentioned on The Hoop Collective podcast.
So far the Pelicans have been flooded with rumors after a 7-22 start to the season, as the possibility of moving guard Jrue Holiday is palpable, while the team has dissuaded talks about trading marksman JJ Redick. Brandon Ingram and rookie Zion Williamson have been deemed “untouchable” by the organization, but plenty of changes can be expected, including a potential change from Alvin Gentry as head coach.
Ball had a promising preseason after tweaking his jump shot to a more mainstream-looking jumper, but he has struggled this season, averaging 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in his third year. His 3-point shot and free-throw percentage have seen slight improvement, but perhaps not enough to warrant keeping him past his rookie contract, considering he has yet to blossom into a player the Pelicans feel they should keep.
The Pelicans already rolled the dice with the group they got in return from the Lakers. They hit big with Ingram, who has developed into a solid scorer and playmaker, but they might have whiffed on Ball, while the jury on Josh Hart is still out given the games he missed due to injury.
New Orleans won't let Ball go for nothing, though, expecting a decent return for a young talent.
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