NBA Trade Rumors: New Orleans Pelicans Interested In Washington Wizards' Otto Porter

The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly interested in Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter.

According to Kevin O'Connor of the Ringer, there are "whispers" the Pelicans are interested in a trade for the 2013 draft no. 3 pick despite his role diminishing in recent times for Washington.

"Porter’s role has dwindled in Washington; he’s averaging only 28 minutes and has lately watched fourth from the bench as Jeff Green and Kelly Oubre Jr. have finished games," O'Connor reported. "Porter is overpaid, but he’s proved to be an effective two-way player. He could thrive in Alvin Gentry’s up-tempo offense and add another versatile defender at forward for the Pelicans."

"If New Orleans were to make an offer for Porter, it would need to include over $20 million in contracts. Something like Hill, Julius Randle, and a first-round pick works. Given that Porter would fill a gaping hole now and could be a piece for the future no matter what happens with [Anthony] Davis, there aren’t much better options on the market."

The reason for the $20 million in contracts is because of Porter's salary. The 25-year-old is one of the highest-paid players in the league and is currently in the second year of a four-year, $106.5 million contract. However, he would still be a useful player adding depth on the wing for the Pelicans, who may have to deal with the potential departure of superstar Anthony Davis in the near future.

Porter currently averages 10.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals in the 15 games he has played this season.

If New Orleans is serious about a trade in the near future, Porter would be just one of many recent headlines and potential roster changes for Washington by the look of things.

On Monday, it was reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that the Wizards, who are underachieving this season with a 5-11 record, were open to trade discussions for each of their players, including the likes of all-stars John Wall and Bradley Beal, who were previously deemed untradable.

Because of their struggles this season with nine losses in their last 13 games, it has become apparent that Washington "needs to start considering overtures for them" while there was also minimal interest in Porter and Kelly Oubre as "centerpieces" of potential trade deals.

"Washington had hopes that forwards Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre could be centerpieces of deals that could return an impactful third star, but those players have fetched minimal interest on the market," Wojnarowski reported. "Porter has a massive contract on the books, including three years and $81 million left."

Later in the day, it was reported by Wojnarowski that Wall lashed out at head coach Scott Brooks during a recent practice session and was fined as a result, even though he apologized immediately after the incident.

This further highlighted the disconnect in Washington and led to speculation that Wall would be traded, though his contract makes a potential trade complicated. Whatever happens eventually, the next few months will certainly be interesting when it comes to the Wizards.