The New Orleans Pelicans are a Western Conference worst 8-21, but reports indicate they aren’t giving up on the season.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Pelicans are expected to be buyers at this season’s trade deadline, not sellers.
“The New Orleans Pelicans, while awaiting Zion Williamson’s season debut, are still expected to be buyers ahead of the trade deadline, with an eye toward competing for the play-in tournament.”
Fischer goes on to report that one player potentially on the trade market is center Jaxson Hayes. Sources tell Fischer that Hayes is “considered available” by league sources.
Since being drafted eighth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Hayes has struggled to see the court for New Orleans over his three seasons, averaging 15.8 minutes, 7.2 points, and 4.0 rebounds per game over his career.
Hayes has even seen a dip in his minutes this season, dropping from 16.1 minutes per game last season to 11.7 minutes per game this season.
Regardless of what the Pelicans decide to do in the trade market, the future of their season is mainly in the hands of Zion Williamson, who has yet to see the court for New Orleans this season. Williamson has been recovering from a foot injury suffered during the offseason, and the All-Star has seen his rehab process be delayed throughout the start of the season.
