NBA rumors have pointed to a potential Lonzo Ball trade since earlier in the 2020-21 season. The former Los Angeles Lakers star has struggled with the New Orleans Pelicans thus far this season and is slated to become a restricted free agent during the offseason.
On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors’ acquisition of Kelly Oubre has not necessarily worked out for either side. Despite his pretty good all-around game, the wing is shooting at a mere 37% from the field this season. He’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent during the summer.
As for a potential trade, it was noted last week that New Orleans had inquired about adding Oubre in a deal with Golden State. We now have some more information on this.
“There’s also been rumors about a Kelly Oubre-Lonzo Ball trade. I mean, that’s not secret,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted on Monday. “That’s sort of been out there. I see it from Golden State’s perspective. It’s been interesting to see if that develops. The Pelicans have struggled, especially defensively. They’ve shopped their guards. They’ve shopped Bledsoe, Lonzo and Redick.”
Windhorst went on to note that the Chicago Bulls are also interested in Ball.
Acquired in the Anthony Davis blockbuster trade with Los Angeles ahead of the 2019-20 season, Ball is averaging just 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists on 40% shooting from the field. This is not what New Orleans had in mind after the 23-year-old guard performed well last season once Zion Williamson made his Pelicans debut.
It remains to be seen what type of value a Ball trade could bring the Pelicans in return. The salaries come close to matching as it relates to a Ball-for-Oubre deal straight up.
However, New Orleans would have to throw in another contract to make it work. Josh Hart could make sense if the Pelicans get a future first-round pick from Golden State.
Of course, that’s dependent on the Warriors being willing to offer draft capital for Ball. The idea would likely be for him to play next to MVP candidate Stephen Curry in the backcourt with an impressive Andrew Wiggins remaining at the three to team up with Draymond Green and James Wiseman in the frontcourt.
It would certainly be an interesting dynamic for the Warriors.
With the 2020 trade deadline set for March 25, we’re going to hear a lot of NBA rumors regarding potential deals. As of right now, the Pelicans and Warriors seem to be at the forefront of those talks.
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