New Orleans Pelicans Trading One of Two Veterans

The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to refresh their roster next season as the team tries to become a contender in the Western Conference and it turns out this summer will bring a trade or two. Reports indicate the Pels are going to be trading either Steven Adams or Eric Bledsoe.

The Pelicans are reportedly looking to deal 'at least one of' their vets. pic.twitter.com/wlZOKPycjQ

— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) July 19, 2021

Adams is a rugged center who is mean, fearless, and can be a rebounding machine. His offensive game lacks just about everything, but teams don't need to run plays for Adams. The 27-year-old Kiwi has two seasons left on his contract, making roughly $34 million total. Last season he averaged 7.6 ppg and 8.9 rpg, while blocking under a shot a game. His first season paired with Zion Williamson was not everything as advertised and it makes sense the team is already trying to move on.

As for Bledsoe, it feels like every summer his name surfaces in trade chatter. When you're a player who can score the ball at will, those things happen. Last season in 71 games including 70 starts, Bledsoe recorded 12.2 ppg, 3.8 apg, and 3.4 rpg. His field goal percentage has declined the past few seasons, so perhaps the Pelicans don't like what they see lately. The 31-year-old Kentucky product has two seasons left on his contract, paying him just under $40 million total. To note, his 2022-23 contract is not fully guaranteed.

Expect a number of teams to be interested including the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors. 

Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports