NBA Trade Rumors: New Orleans Pelicans Join Race For Terrence Ross

Terrence Ross is one of the prime targets next month as the NBA nears the February trade deadline. There are several teams who could use someone like Ross, who can light up from the outside and deliver needed offense.

In a previous post, the 27-year-old was linked to a possible move to the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the need to have someone to knock it down from the outside, he was a logical fit. But of course, there are other teams in need of a wingman who can help free up space in the middle.

One team that has long been looking for a swingman to man their three spot is the New Orleans Pelicans. Ross should fit in perfectly as he is someone who could resolve that offensive hole and make life easier for all-star center Anthony Davis. Furthermore, the eighth pick of the 2012 NBA Draft could be a factor in swaying AD's plans this coming summer.

However, that would depend on how the Pelicans can convince the Orlando Magic to a deal involving Ross. According to Fansided, the Magic are a bit reluctant to deal off Ross right now and would rather trade Jonathon Simmons instead.

On their end, Sporting News reported that the Pelicans are willing to part with a first-round pick to reel in Ross. It remains to be seen if this will be enough to convince the Magic to bite. Adding more assets could do the trick, but that depends on how desperate New Orleans is to get the smallforward/ shooting guard into their fold.

Seeing as how Ross has been the only consistent player for the Magic, it may take much to convince Orlando to deal him off. He is averaging 13.3 points per game and is shooting 52.7-percent from the field.

Eventually, it may depend on how the Magic evaluates the potential of that first-round pick from New Orleans. The Pelicans currently tote a 20-22 card in the Western Conference, still within striking distance of making the playoffs. They are currently tied with the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves with the same win-loss record.

Depending on how they perform from here on out, it may all depend if the Pelicans falter --giving the said pick more value.

For the Magic, there is also the future of Ross to consider. He is set to become a free agent in the summer, raising questions on how much Orlando would be willing to commit long-term to its free agents. There is a possibility that both may part ways in the offseason, further giving that first-round pick more value.

Will these be something to consider for the Magic? Expect more trade scenarios involving Ross in the coming weeks before the Feb. 7 NBA trade deadline.