If the Pelicans do want to trade Lonzo Ball, these five teams could have some interest.
The New Orleans Pelicans wilted in the NBA season resumption bubble, with just two wins in eight games as their last couple games were rendered irrelevant to playoff eligibility. Much of the attention was on Zion Williamson, and the struggles of Lonzo Ball fell to the background.
In seven games in the Orlando bubble, Ball averaged 7.1 points, 6.6 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. More specifically, he shot just 30.5 percent from the floor and 28.1 percent from 3-point range. Then there was this, from David Aldridge of The Athletic (subscription required).
people down in Orlando tell me Lonzo Ball looked like he’d checked out the whole time the Pels were there, and that they expect some significant roster adjustments in New Orleans before next season.
The changes in New Orleans have started, with the firing of head coach Alvin Gentry. ESPN’s Jay Williams has passed along indications that Ball may be used as a trade asset this offseason.
Ball was a primary piece of the Pelicans’ return from the Lakers in the Anthony Davis trade/. Certain parts of his talent are undeniably good or even great (court vision, passing), but his shortcomings as a shooter and finisher around the basket are equally undeniable.
Ball is fast becoming a player with whom perception exceeds reality, and he may wind up being well-traveled as teams give up on him and others think they can unlock/fix him. But he is still only 22 years old (23 in October), and if the Pelicans want to move on they will find suitors.
Let’s take some spins through the Trade Machine to find some deals for Ball.
These teams could trade for Lonzo Ball and really use his skills
5. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks may be content to go forward basically as currently constructed, led by Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. But they always seem to linger on the periphery of potential big moves, and a trade for someone like Ball would fit that bill as a notable, and palatable, move.
A backcourt pairing of Doncic and Ball would be exciting. Ball could operate within his strengths more easily, as a strong rebounder and elite passer to initiate pace, while the lion’s share of the pressure and spotlight falls on Doncic.
ESPN’s Trade Machine gives us this deal that would send Ball to Dallas.
Mavericks Get
G Lonzo Ball
F Darius Miller
Pelicans Get
G Seth Curry
F Dorian Finney-Smith