NBA teams are unable to make trades following the deadline — usually scheduled around mid-February — so playoff squads can only bring the roster they finish the regular season with to war.
That doesn’t mean that every organization in the postseason wouldn’t want to make at least some minor move to give themselves the best chance at the title.
The Pelicans’ big move of acquiring C.J. McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers was already made and has paid major dividends. The job for the front office isn’t finished yet.
The Pelicans could certainly be among the teams looking to make a minor move to upgrade their supporting cast around key players like Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and McCollum.
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One intriguing option could be Doug McDermott to offer more sharpshooting around the top options in the offense. The San Antonio Spurs could be open to moving his contract in the offseason — presenting a potential opportunity for the Pelicans.
While New Orleans obviously can’t bring in McDermott for reinforcements in this postseason, there’s nothing stopping them from making this exact move for 2022-23.
