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