After a report Tuesday that the Pelicans are getting trade calls about guards Lonzo Ball and J.J. Redick, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst adds another name to the list. Appearing on “The Jump” today (video link), Windhorst said Eric Bledsoe is also available and that New Orleans is initiating trade talks with other teams.
With a 5-10 record, the Pelicans have been the most disappointing team in the West. Bledsoe has played a role in that as his numbers across the board are down from last season in Milwaukee. Acquired from the Bucks in the Jrue Holiday deal, Bledsoe is averaging 12.8 points per game, his lowest scoring average in eight years.
According to Windhorst, New Orleans wants to clear away its veteran guards to create more playing time for Nickeil Alexander-Walker and rookie Kira Lewis, who was the 13th pick in last year’s draft. Coach Stan Van Gundy talked to Ball and Redick today about the situation, tweets Will Guillory of The Athletic, and said the players realize that trade rumors are part of life in the NBA.
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Maxi Kleber, one of five Mavericks players who were quarantined, has been cleared and has started individual workouts, tweets Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News. Coach Rick Carlisle said Kleber won’t be available for Friday’s game against the Jazz, but may return this weekend. “His clock is ticking at a different rate because his episode was longer,” Carlisle said. “He certainly won’t play in either of these two games (at Utah). Saturday I suppose could be a possibility, but I don’t know.” (Twitter link)
- Spurs guard Derrick White is close to returning from a fractured toe and could be back in the lineup this weekend, according to Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News (Twitter link). White, who has played just one game this season, had surgery on the toe in August and reinjured it on New Year’s Day.
- The Spurs have sent second-year forward Luka Samanic to the G League bubble in Orlando, tweets Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News. Samanic has seen limited playing time in four games this season.
Too soon to pull chalk IMO. The west is so full of ballers that you’d be a fool to implode things this fast…. but if you must, get it over with so we can start the rebuild.
The Pelicans have been just the second most disappointing team in the West.
The Rockets were even more disappointing at 4-9, but are finally getting healthy.
What about Dallas. They been really bad compared to where they were thought to be
They’ve been missing lots of players. Some questionable coaching too.
Questionable coaching? Carlisle would have a line of teams waiting to hire him if he wanted out. He’s easily one of the best coaches in the league.
They started 6-4 before losing six of their last eight, so the Mavs weren’t really bad until they were missing a lot of players. But it should be Dallas and Houston competing for the SW division title.
If the Pels want to keep both point guards, Bledsoe has to come off the bench and JJ should start. Their bench is a real problem and Eric would be a good 6th man. That would free up Lonzo and give him another shooter to pass to
That would be a coaching move…is that happening in NO?
Imo Jj not a starter anymore but the line of thought isnt bad
Take your time Derrick White, the Spurs & Dejounte Murray are still basking in the glow of that crunch time steal last night!
Murray has really been good on both ends of the floor this season, that was an incredible play!
Pels are not progressing really. It’s still early and they still could make a play for 10th spot. Really they are probably in lottery again. They have their own pick plus a bunch of 2nd rd picks. Moving Lonzo, Bledsoe, JJ is not a bad idea. Zion n Griffin are solid pieces to build around. This draft has plenty of value. If I know I’m a lottery team. I’m playing the young guys trading vets. And I’m getting ready for the draft.
Clippers should be looking at Lonzo and Bledsoe.
Ball is all but guaranteed to be a Knick – it checks a lot of boxes for Dolan.
1. Big name free agent (undeservedly so, but still – he’s a name)
2. Defense first PG (Thibs loves that)
3. Easy to sign/trade for, because there’s not much of a market for a guy you’re going to have to overpay this summer.
4. Speaking over overpays, Knicks love to overpay
Half the NBA will have some interest in Reddick, assuming it doesn’t take more than a decent contract or an expiring+2nd to get him.
Bledsoe to the Clippers for Lou Will (languishing on the bench) ,Mann, 2nd rounder and Clipps take on salary.
Pels initiated all these calls. These players may have some value, but their contracts (which is what is actually acquired in a trade) have little to no value and, in Bledsoe’s case, most likely negative value. The latter is the best player of the 3, and could be plugged in to a lot of contender rotations, but there’s too much $$ left on his deal for a contender to just take him on.