The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a critical stretch as the February 5 trade deadline approaches, sitting at 11-36 and last in the Western Conference. NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reports the front office is shifting from minor tweaks to an aggressive approach focused on shedding underperforming contracts and acquiring size to compete in the league’s “Big Ball” era.
Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herbert Jones are considered untouchable. Williamson, 25, remains a dominant force when healthy, averaging 22 points per game, while Murphy III leads the team with 22.3 points and 6 rebounds per game. Jones anchors the defense, providing cultural and on-court stability. League sources indicate moving these players would require a “Godfather offer” with multiple unprotected first-round picks and a top prospect.
The Pelicans are targeting high-salary backcourt players Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray for potential trades. Poole’s $34 million contract and inconsistent play, combined with Murray’s clunky fit alongside Zion, have made the pair primary obstacles to roster flexibility. New Orleans is seeking trades that create cap space and allow the team to address size deficiencies in the paint.
A major motivation for deadline activity is recovering a 2026 first-round pick. The Pelicans traded their unprotected pick to the Atlanta Hawks last summer to select Derik Queen, anticipating a playoff run. With the team now struggling, the front office is looking to regain a top pick from its own selection or another team to secure talent in a deep 2026 draft class.
Young, tradable assets are in play to facilitate these moves. Yves Missi, the sophomore center, is a defensive anchor with All-Rookie potential, drawing interest from the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Jordan Hawkins, the 23-year-old wing, has been targeted by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors for shooting depth. Jose Alvarado, 27, remains the most actionable asset, with teams like the New York Knicks viewing him as a cost-effective, high-energy bench guard.
The Pelicans have engaged in conversations with multiple teams, with the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as frequent suitors. Each potential partner aligns with New Orleans’ strategy of acquiring draft capital or roster flexibility while maintaining the core of Zion, Murphy, and Jones.
