NBA Trade Rumours: 3 players that the New Orleans Pelicans are currently targeting

The New Orleans Pelicans are desperate to make the NBA playoffs this season, as the Pelicans are aware that time is running out to keep Anthony Davis. Davis can opt of his contract in 2020, and the 5-time All-Star could potentially demand a trade this summer, as both the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are known to hold a long term interest in the center.

Despite this, the Pelicans still believe they have a shot at retaining Davis, who has been with the organization since the team drafted him with the first pick of the 2012 NBA draft. Due to this, the Pelicans are likely to be in the trade market this month as they look to fuel a sustained playoff push, and with the NBA trade deadline just under one month away, here we will look at three players from around the NBA that are currently interesting the New Orleans Pelicans.

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#3 J.R. Smith

Atlanta Hawks v Cleveland Cavaliers

J.R. Smith has not played for the Cleveland Cavaliers since the early stages of the season. The Cavs decision to bench Smith came after the veteran publicly criticized the direction of the franchise, whilst also stating his desire to be traded. Smith has been linked to a number of teams since, and back in December, the Ringer and Kevin O'Connor revealed the Pelicans interest in Smith:

Expect the Cavaliers to try to move on next from JR Smith. I heard this week they received some interest for Smith from the Rockets and Pelicans—both teams need depth at the wing position. Smith's 2019-20 salary is guaranteed for only $3.9M, so it has some value as a trade chip.

Smith remains a reliable source of production from the field, averaging 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game during the 17/18 season. The Pelicans, however, seem reluctant to make an immediate trade for Smith, as the player could still agree to a buyout with the Cavs, so this deal may be completed after the deadline.

#2 Jeremy Lin

Atlanta Hawks v Denver Nuggets

After an injury-hit couple of years, Jeremy Lin signed with the Atlanta Hawks this summer, with the hopes of proving his fitness to the NBA. Lin has successfully done this, as despite only playing 19.4 minutes per night, the point guard is averaging 10.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.4 rebounds. Nevertheless, Lin will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Sporting News is claiming that the Pelicans will make a move for the 30-year-old:

When the Hawks traded for Lin last summer, the hope was that he could be a veteran presence for the first part of the season for young point guard Trae Young, then could be swapped for a rebuilding asset to help the woebegone Hawks’ future. A first-rounder would do the trick. The Pelicans and Sixers have also inquired about Lin, and the Hawks may be able to create some bidding for his services ahead of the deadline.

The Hawks are already out of playoff contention, so as the deadline approaches, the team may be willing to take even less than a first-round pick. Ultimately, this deal could go down to the wire, although the Pelicans would benefit from Lin's experience from the bench.

#1 Terrence Ross

After spending five years with the Toronto Raptors, Ross, alongside a first-round pick, was traded to the Magic back in 2017 in exchange for Serge Ibaka. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old is enjoying the best form of his career in a Magic uniform, and the Pelicans reportedly want to acquire the in-form Ross:

The Pelicans have shown interest in Orlando small forward Terrence Ross, who has had a career year, but is a free agent this summer and uncertain to re-sign with the Magic. Orlando has been reluctant to deal Ross as the team has been within range of a playoff spot, but four straight losses have left the Magic seven games under .500 and perhaps ready to give up the postseason dream and get back to the long-term rebuilding project.

Ross is currently averaging 13.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting .391 from beyond the arc. Ross will evidently add both range and energy to the Pelicans offence, and the Orlando man could significantly improve New Orleans playoff push