NBA Rumors: Pelicans Have These 4 Backcourt Trade Targets

Most observers would figure that the New Orleans Pelicans are in a rebuild. But that hasn't stopped them from being labeled "buyers" as we approach next week's trade deadline.

NBA Insider Brian Windhorst says the Pels are “really aggressive on the trade market for a guard.”

He then gets into specifics, naming 4 targets in particular:

From what I understand, (the Pelicans) have talked to the (Portland Trail) Blazers about CJ McCollum, they have talked to the (Sacramento) Kings about De'Aaron Fox, they have talked to the (Houston) Rockets about Eric Gordon, they have talked to the (Atlanta) Hawks about Kevin Huerter, and probably more that I don't know about... Pelicans are buying.

Fellow Insider Marc Stein confirms that "numerous competing teams continue to believe that Sacramento is willing to part with De’Aaron Fox" despite the Kings' denials.

The Rockets are known to be asking for a first-round pick in return for Gordon; and McCollum has been called "an ideal candidate" by the Pels according to one report. The Trail Blazers have already made one deal, trading Norm Powell and Robert Covington to the Los Angeles Clippers earlier today.

BREAKING: Full trade details:

Clippers: Norman Powell, Robert Covington

Blazers: Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson, 2nd-Round Pick

(via @wojespn)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 4, 2022