NBA Trade Rumors: 3 trade destinations for Dennis Smith Jr

#1 New Orleans Pelicans

Dallas Mavericks v New Orleans Pelicans

Rajon Rondo exited the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2018 offseason, and the franchise has yet to address the hole caused by his absence. Elfrid Payton has been starting for the Pelicans in recent weeks, although the team is going to struggle to reach the playoffs with a point guard who is only contributing 11.0 points and 5.4 assists per game.

The Orlando Magic last year decided that Payton was not good enough to start for their struggling team, and the 24-year-old will also become a free agent in the summer. There is little debate that Smith Jr would be an upgrade over Payton, and the former Magic man could still be used from the bench.

The Pelicans are currently outside the Western Conference playoff places, although the addition of Smith Jr. alongside another star could help guide the team to the postseason, and give the franchise a final shot at convincing Anthony Davis to stay.