The Los Angeles Lakers' trade plans might have to go in a different direction.
On Friday, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that several members of the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to remain with the team past the trade deadline next month.
For the Lakers, they were expected to kick around the idea of adding Trey Murphy or Herb Jones. Barring any changes of heart from the New Orleans front office, the Lakers got an off-limits signal on both.
Are the Pelicans Making a Mistake?
It's not the Pelicans' job to help the Lakers. As much as a deal for Murphy or Jones would help the Lakers, they weren't getting any discounts.
But closing all options should be viewed as a mistake for the Pelicans, especially given how the 2025-2026 NBA season has played out for them.
The Pelicans entered the season with plans to push for a playoff spot in the tough Western Conference. They quickly found out they aren't built for that.
At 8-31, the Pelicans are sitting 15th in the Western Conference. Heading into their Friday night battle against the Washington Wizards, the Pelicans are in the midst of a nine-game losing streak.
The Pelicans have had their fair share of injuries, but a healthy New Orleans team still doesn't pose a threat to the West. Getting healthy doesn't turn this ship around. Yet, the Pelicans still aren't willing to sell off some of their valuable players for draft capital, as any rebuilding team would do.
For contending teams, who want a valuable role-player-or a star like Zion Williamson-that's unfortunate.
The market for two-way wings was already small.
The fact that the Pelicans took two out of the equation is an unfortunate development for LA, but that shouldn't redirect the Lakers' front office.
They need help on defense, and could use more reliable shooters to surround Luka Doncic. At 23-12, the Lakers are far from desperate. They were unlikely to overpay for one of the Pelicans' options. They just won't have an opportunity negotiate at all at this point.
There are other options out there, and they'll likely get revealed soon.
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