After yet another losing season, the New Orleans Pelicans are planning to retool their roster, and they have reportedly emerged as a team deeply interested in acquiring Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.
According to NBA insider Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, the New Orleans Pelicans would not object to trading Zion Williamson to acquire Brown. However, the franchise would prefer not to include the former first overall pick in a potential package.
“The Pelicans prefer to keep Zion, but they aren’t married to him if they can offload him,” the anonymous source told Robinson.
“While New Orleans still values Williamson’s generational ceiling, they are no longer viewed as completely inseparable from the former number-one pick. If a massive overhaul is required—or if a deal for a player of Jaylen Brown’s caliber necessitates a pivot—the Pelicans are willing to listen to packages that would completely redirect the franchise identity,” he added in his column.
New Orleans Pelicans Rumors: Insider lists three rotation players on the team’s trading block
Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson also said that the New Orleans Pelicans front office is actively dangling Jordan Poole, Jordan Hawkins, and Kevon Looney in the trade market, as the trio dropped out of the team’s rotation this season.
Furthermore, the New Orleans Pelicans also reportedly see Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears as the team’s untouchables, as the team is keen on further developing these youngsters.
“While the Pelicans are reportedly open to moving established veterans, their future core remains protected. Sources state that the only two players completely off limits in trade talks are standout freshmen Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen,” Robinson wrote. “Their rapid development has given the front office enough confidence to view them as long-term franchise pillars, making them the singular bright spot insulated from the impending trade winds.”