Pelicans open to trading most of their roster, but interest may not be there

Marc Stein reported that the Pelicans "are essentially open to trade pitches for pretty much anyone else on the roster," aside from All-Defensive forward Herb Jones, recently extended forward Trey Murphy III and this year's No. 21 pick, center Yves Missi. 

However, it may prove complicated to trade some of its perceived stars.

Zion Williamson

Williamson was the No. 1 pick in 2019 but has missed an entire season and most of two others since then. This year, he played six games before being sidelined by a hamstring injury. Bobby Marks reported that in a Williamson trade, the Pelicans could expect "expiring contracts and perhaps a future first-round pick," a puny return for a player who has been excellent when healthy.

But he hasn't been healthy. There's a catch, too. Williamson makes $36.7M, but his salaries for the next three seasons are non-guaranteed, meaning the Pelicans could release him this summer if they wanted salary savings. It's hard to expect anyone to decide on Williamson until — and if — he gets healthy.

Brandon Ingram

Ingram's salary is $36M this season, and he gets a 15 percent bonus if he's traded, making a deal more difficult. He's been remarkably consistent at a sub-All-Star level, averaging 23 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists as a Pelican while shooting 47.2 percent. Ingram averages 22.2, 5.6 and 5.2 this season, shooting 46.5 percent.

That's why it's hard to determine what Ingram would be paid heading into his age-28 season. The Pelicans don't seem interested in extending his contract. A team might be interested in Ingram as a short-term rental, but that will have to wait — he's out indefinitely with an ankle injury.

CJ McCollum

McCollum is a great scorer and nearly a 40 percent career three-point shooter, but his touch has disappeared this season. He's shooting 33.1 percent from deep, 44.1 percent from the floor and 66.7 percent from the foul line, perhaps still feeling the effects of a right adductor strain. Never much of a defender, McCollum has put up the worst defensive numbers of his career, with a defensive rating of 121 points per 100 possessions.

A contender who needs offense off the bench and a veteran ball handler might take a flyer on McCollum, but he's signed for $33.3M this season and $30.7M last year thanks to an ill-advised contract extension from Sept. 2022. Paying an injury-prone 34-year-old guard over $30M next season is a tough sell for anyone.

Dejounte Murray

New Orleans gave up two first-round picks, Larry Nance, Jr. and NBA steals leader Dyson Daniels, just a few months ago to get Murray, but according to Stein, the Pelicans would consider trading him again.

The Atlanta Hawks also seemed to get buyer's remorse quickly after giving up three first-rounders to get Murray in 2022. Murray never fit with Trae Young, and the Hawks have thrived this season after trading him. Still, Murray's reasonable contract (three years, roughly $97M) could be tempting — but the Pelicans might be embarrassed to backtrack on their big deal so soon.

In other words, the Pelicans might be willing to trade most of their roster, but finding deals won't be easy.