NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Players the New Orleans Pelicans should keep out of trade talks

Memphis Grizzlies v New Orleans Pelicans
Memphis Grizzlies v New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are desperate to make the 2019 postseason, as the organization is aware that Anthony Davis may push for a trade this summer. The 25-year-old has been with the Pelicans since the organization drafted him with the first pick of the 2012 NBA draft, and Davis is regarded as one of the most dominant players in the league.

So far this season, Davis has averaged 28.9 points and 13.2 rebounds per game, although the Pelicans man can opt out of his contract in 2020. Speculation have recently surfaced that Davis may push for a trade this summer, as the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Boston Celtics have all expressed an interest in the 5-time All-Star.

The Pelicans have made a 20-22 start to the current season, and due to their poor start, the team will be frantically looking to improve their roster before the February trade deadline. With an influx of players likely, members of the team will have to make way, however, here are three players that the Pelicans should keep out of trade talks.


#3 Jahlil Okafor

Memphis Grizzlies v New Orleans Pelicans
Memphis Grizzlies v New Orleans Pelicans

Entering the 2015 draft Okafor was considered one of the top five prospects, and the center was eventually selected with the third overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. During his debut season, Okafor was named to the All-Rookie First Team, and the center finished his rookie season averaging 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

Despite the early promise, Okafor's career has since stalled, and in the summer of 2018, Okafor landed on his third team in 12 months. While the backup center has yet to rediscover his early NBA form, Okafor continues to show flashes of his ability and the Pelicans should look to give the 23-year-old more minutes, rather than using him as a piece in a trade.

#2 E'Twaun Moore

New Orleans Pelicans v Philadelphia 76ers
New Orleans Pelicans v Philadelphia 76ers

After spending spells with the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and Chicago Bulls, E'Twaun Moore signed for the New Orleans Pelicans back in 2016. For the first time in his career, Moore has established himself as a regular starter, and he is currently enjoying the best season of his career so far.

Moore is currently averaging 13.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, and the 29-year-old has also dropped 30 points on the Toronto Raptors, and 31 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Moore's salary of $8.8 million per season represents good value to the Pelicans, and the guard appears to be a late bloomer, as despite turning 30 next month, Moore is continuing to get better with each passing season. Ultimately, Moore is a perfect fit for the Pelicans, and trading away the guard would result in New Orleans becoming a worse team.

#1 Julius Randle

New Orleans Pelicans v Brooklyn Nets
New Orleans Pelicans v Brooklyn Nets

After playing just a year of college basketball for Kentucky, Julius Randle declared himself for the 2014 NBA draft. Randle was a highly rated prospect, so it was no surprise when the Los Angles Lakers used their seventh pick on the-then 20-year-old.

Randle suffered a serious injury during his NBA debut, however, the power forward recovered the following campaign, and eventually spent three years as a regular starter for a struggling Lakers team. During the 17/18 season, Randle enjoyed the best season of his career, averaging 16.8 points per game, although the Lakers renounced Randle in the summer, and he subsequently signed with the Pelicans.

Nevertheless, the Lakers loss has been the Pelicans gain, as the 24-year-old is currently averaging 19.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Randle still has plenty of time to grow into an All-Star, and while the player will command considerable trade value, the Pelicans should avoid trading away their second best player.

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Edited by Abhinav Munshi