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Despite a disappointing run in the 2020 Orlando bubble, the New Orleans Pelicans are in a good place going into the offseason. Their plan for the future is pretty clear - wait for Zion Williamson to come of age. As they continue to rebuild around their talented young core, here are 5 New Orleans Pelicans players who are unlikely to return to the roster next season according to NBA trade rumors.
NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players unlikely to be back with the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2020-21 season
Even though the New Orleans Pelicans have the assets to trade a big star in the offseason, they'll likely take the slow route and wait for their young core to emerge.
Based on recent NBA trade rumors, the Pelicans might be interested in moving some of their veteran stars in an attempt to get players whose timelines match up better with their young core.
On this note, here are 5 players who might have already played their last game for the New Orleans Pelicans.
#1. Jrue Holiday
Let's get the obvious one out of the way first. NBA trade rumors about Jrue Holiday have been circulating since the beginning of the season, and multiple teams are interested in landing the 1-time All-Star this offseason.
The 30-year-old is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and can also contribute with his scoring and playmaking on the offensive end. The Pelicans will be looking to make the most out of Holiday's market value to get some young talent in return.
#2. Derrick Favors
Derrick Favors was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans from the Utah Jazz in 2019. Even though his game was impactful on the court this season, Favors is already 29 and the Pelicans would want to play Jaxson Hayes and Zion Williamson at the 4 and the 5 going forward.
Derrick Favors will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason and NBA rumors suggest Utah Jazz might be willing to reunite with the star. The New Orleans Pelicans already have a loaded frontcourt and will likely let him walk in the offseason.
#3. JJ Redick
Even at age 36, JJ Redick continues to be among the best 3-point shooters in the NBA. During the 2019-20 NBA season, Redick shot an impressive 45.3% from downtown and averaged over 15 points per game.
The New Orleans Pelicans are not in a position to compete for the title next year, and JJ Redick seems like a luxury they don't need. NBA trade rumors suggest that other teams would be interested in the sharpshooter, and the Pelicans can look to benefit from the veteran's contract by getting younger players in return.
#4. Jahlil Okafor
After a promising rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers, 24-year-old Jahlil Okafor has failed to live up to expectations in recent years. While he can contribute valuable minutes on the offensive end, his defense continues to be a liability for the New Orleans Pelicans. Okafor will be an unrestricted free agent in 2020 and re-signing him will not be a priority for the Pelicans.
#5. E'Twaun Moore
Though his numbers dipped during the 2019-20 season, E'Twaun Moore remains one of the best 3&D players in the league. NBA rumors suggest that teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to acquire the 31-year-old for the skills he brings to either end of the court.
Moore is already 31 years old and doesn't fit with the rest of the team's timeline. The New Orleans Pelicans will want to replace Moore with a younger guard as he enters free agency in 2020.
Guess the Lakers players!
