Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin discussed the trade rumors surrounding his team, explaining in an appearance on ESPN Radio how he addresses them with players.
New Orleans has opened the season with a disappointing 6-10 record, prompting multiple teams to reportedly inquire on the availability of Lonzo Ball and J.J. Redick.
“The truth is when you’re 6-10 and struggling to finish off games and disappointed in your results, teams are going to recognize that and they are going to show interest in the players they covet,” Griffin said as part of a larger quote, as relayed by ESPN’s Andrew Lopez (Twitter link).
In addition to Ball and Redick, New Orleans could also receive interest on veteran point guard Eric Bledsoe in the coming weeks. The NBA’s trade deadline falls on March 25 this season.
Here are some other notes from the Southwest Division:
- Yossi Gozlan of HoopsHype examines five potential trade destinations for Ball, listing teams such as the Knicks and Clippers as possible suitors if the Pelicans choose to move him. Ball has appeared in 13 games this season, averaging 11.8 points on 39% shooting from the floor and 30% shooting from deep.
- It remains unclear when Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. and forward Justise Winslow will return, Evan Barnes of the Memphis Commerical Appeal writes. No specific timetables have been issued on Jackson, who is recovering from a torn meniscus, or Winslow, who is rehabbing a hip injury. “I think from a plan and rehab and recovery and return to play standpoint, everyone’s been doing a great job,” head coach Taylor Jenkins said. “We’ve got a lot of confidence that these guys will be back soon and be in a great spot health-wise, too.”
- Tim MacMahon of ESPN explores the rise of the Mavericks‘ Luka Doncic, one that happened sooner than most people expected. Doncic has cemented himself as a superstar at the young age of 21, averaging 27.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 9.7 assists in 17 games this season.
I’m not sure if Luka will be better than Dirk but he’s off to a great start.
IF he stays healthy he will be one of the all-time greats. The kid is just as good as anyone in the league right now.
Luka > Dirk
Luka is already much better than Dirk ever was & I say that as a huge fan of Dirk, but boy Luka is already the best in the league & many years to get even better!
He can’t shoot like Dirk and I doubt he ever will. Coming from a Mavs fan.
Dirk was a big who could shoot from three long before it became commonplace in the NBA. And even though Luka does a lot of other things extremely well, you’re 100% correct about his shooting.
If he’s ever going to be as good as Dirk then he’s going to have to shoot a lot better than 31.7% from 3-point range for his career.
Kelly Oubre is better than Lonzo Ball on
Defensive FG; the lower the better
Oubre 43.7%
Ball 44.1%
Top 5 defensive FG for qualified players
Andre Wiggins 39.7%
Ben Simmons 39.8%
Does defensive FG the best indicator of defense?
Off topic
Wiggins 3pt field goal 40%
Ben Simmons 3pt field goal 17%
Is the defensive Field Goal the best indicator of defensive?
IMO
Bledsoe has more trade value than Ball and Redick
Bledsoe has 38 million g-contract remaining, only overpaid by $12m IMO
If a bad team offers a second round pick for Ball, it’s possible rental.
Dude Wiggins isn’t that great. He’s a solid role player who’s getting paid like a max salary superstar.
Ball & Riddick 4 Kuzma & Caruso
instead of trading players, maybe look at the coaching? a little bit rusty after not doing it in forever.
I guess we’ll find out very soon how the league values Ball. Wanting to play Lewis & Walker says it all. There is no way Griffin plans on spending $15 million on Lonzo next season.
Grizz considering their injuries are doing well. More than just Ja ….. Pels will make deals before TD. If they had big ones they would go for Westbrook. They have what it takes. Westbrook can get them in playoffs. He’d be motivated with Zion n Ingram. Also mentor Kyra. Adams, Ball , a future pick would do it. I’d like to see Zion with Westbrook.