NBA Trade Rumors: Pelicans May Shift Focus, Want Veterans Instead

KEY POINTS

Pelicans may tweak their recruitment outlook
Pelicans need veterans to help their young players
Derrick Favors could be of better use with longer playing minutes

In the eyes of most, the New Orleans Pelicans are a promising team of the future if the young stars develop properly. With Brandon Ingram and rookie Zion Williamson in tow, there is no denying that the Pels do have the talent to rise from the ashes.

However, the Pelicans may want to consider the fact that veterans can still make a difference. Sharing their NBA playing experience and guiding the young turks, Brian Windhorst of ESPN feels that New Orleans will try to acquire another veteran rather than dislodge who they have.

"If anything, the Pelicans have seen what a big difference it made to get Derrick Favors back and they think if they could get another veteran into their rotation, that it may even help them more," said Windhorst.

Jrue Holiday is one of the veterans in the mix, someone rumor-mongers believe would be eventually shipped. The Miami Heat were mentioned in a previous report as a potential landing spot, a move which could net them disgruntled guard Dion Waiters.

Aside from Holiday, there is Derrick Favors. The 28-year-old has been in and out of the lineup and is producing so-so numbers this season. In 22 games, he has produced 9.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Those numbers could improve with more playing minutes. A lot of that depends on head coach Alvin Gentry.

Beyond what he can do on the floor, Favors could be a third overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft could be a good mentor to Williamson and Ingram. Though these plans may not reap dividends this season, it could be a turning point for the beleaguered squad.

There are several veterans in the free-agent market. Among the names available include J.R. Smith and Nick Young. Both have enough to make at least one more run in the NBA and compliment the young core.

As far as a trade, the Pels could still dangle some of their players but the ones who have been scarcely used. It is a different kind of approach but New Orleans recent run of winning 6 of their last 8 games deserves a closer look.