The New Orleans Pelicans made it no secret that they were very much interested in trading Lonzo Ball before the NBA trade deadline.
According to multiple reports, the front office spoke to at least five teams about a potential deal. It even got to the point where Ball came out and revealed to which squad he wanted to be dealt.
Then the deadline came and went with nothing happening.
On Monday, some interesting details came out regarding why Ball is still with the Pelicans.
It’s not for a lack of effort to deal him – it’s simply because all of New Orleans’ attempts to do so were shot down.
According to former Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut, the Pelicans tried trading Ball for Kelly Oubre Jr. The Warriors ultimately passed.
“I have it on good authority that they had an offer actually for Lonzo Ball and I think a throw-in, a pick, for Oubre and the Warriors turned it down funnily enough, but I thought that was a pretty good deal to shed some salary and get a pick back,” he said.
Ball is averaging a career-best 14.5 points and 5.6 assists per game for the Pelicans this season. Oubre, meanwhile, is averaging 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds for the Warriors.
If Golden State actually turned down Ball and picks for Oubre, the Warriors should be sued for malpractice by their fans.
For what it’s worth, Ball has handled the entire situation really well. His reaction to almost being traded was very sensible, and it seems like he has no hard feelings toward the front office. He’s genuinely happy to be in New Orleans.
Will the organization be able to sign him long-term during the offseason to a deal that will please both sides? Time will tell.
More must-reads: