NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Players the New Orleans Pelicans should target

The New Orleans Pelicans have made a disappointing 15-16 start to the season, and the franchise is aware that if things don't turn around before the end of the season, then Anthony Davis will most likely look to leave the team.

The Pelicans drafted the 25-year-old back in 2012, although the team has failed to challenge for a Championship, despite the incredible performances of their star man. Davis is currently enjoying another stellar season, averaging 28.0 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, although the Pelicans have once again struggled to compete in a loaded Western Conference.

The New Orleans franchise are currently four places outside the playoff spots, and the team faces an uphill battle to secure a postseason appearance. Nevertheless, the Pelicans are likely to be active up until the 2019 trade deadline, as the team looks to bring in new faces that can help the team to improve. So here are three players that the Pelicans could acquire, as they desperately try to convince Davis that his future is in New Orleans.

---

#3 Raymond Felton

Oklahoma City Thunder v Utah Jazz - Game Six

The New Orleans Pelicans are in desperate need of a point guard, and Raymond Felton would be an excellent fix until the end of the season. Felton is currently behind both Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder in Oklahoma City, and the Thunder would be willing to give up the 34-year-old for little in return.

While Felton has barely featured this season, the veteran impressed from the bench during the 17/18 season, averaging 6.9 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.9 rebounds. The point guard is known for being a good locker room presence, and his veteran's minimum contract will offer excellent value to a Pelicans team that is currently without their starting guard, Elfrid Payton.

#2 Otto Porter Jr.

25-year-old Otto Porter Jr. has spent his entire career with the Washington Wizards

Back in November, the New Orleans Pelicans were credited with having an interest in acquiring Otto Porter Jr. The small forward was drafted by the Wizards with the 3rd pick of the 2013 draft, although the Washingon franchise is now gearing up for a major rebuild. Porter Jr. has missed the last three games through injury, although for the season he is averaging 11.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.

Otto Porter's large contract could, however, prove to be a problem for the Pelicans. The 25-year-old is contracted until 2022, and his current salary of $24,773,250 will rise to $28,489,238 for the 21/22 season. The Pelicans may need to move a number of fringe players in order to make a trade work, although Porter is the caliber of player that could help turn around the Pelicans season.

#1 J.R. Smith

Cleveland Cavaliers v Detroit Pistons

J.R. Smith is currently on hiatus from the Cavaliers Cavaliers, as the team is still seeking a new home for the veteran shooting guard. The Cavaliers last month agreed to part ways with the 33-year-old, after Smith publicly stated he wanted a trade, after criticizing the ambition of the franchise. While Smith has so far failed to agree to a buyout with the team, he is still expected to secure a trade within the next few weeks.

J.R. Smith is signed to a $14,720,000 for the 18/19 season, with a further $3,870,000 guaranteed for the 19/20 season, so the Pelicans would evidently prefer Smith to agree on a buyout with the Cavs. Despite this, the franchise is well aware that Smith's experience both on and off the court could be vital to their playoff push, and hopefully, a compromise can be agreed in the next few weeks.