NBA Trade Rumor: Melo to Celtics "Becoming More Likely" (Pels Direction Spin)

LINK LINK

There has been rumblings about this for a couple of weeks. Cavs, Clippers, Bulls, and Thunder have also been rumored to be interested in Melo. That's a whole story in itself but I bring it up for the Pelicans because a trade like this, if and when it goes down, will speed up the timeline for the Pelicans to start making decisions about the direction of the franchise.

At that time, the Pels have to know: what's the goal this offseason and beyond, and how are they going to get there?

Just as an example, one writer for the Clippers suggested trading Omer Asik to LA for Jamal Crawford so the Clippers free up salary to go after Melo. LINK. Which idk about you but I would jump on in a heartbeat. It gives us a player we can actually use next season as well as giving the organization cap flexibility next summer to pursue Paul George, Russell Westbrook, Will Barton, Avery Bradley, Rodney Hood, Aaron Gordon, Jabari Parker, and/or of course Jason Smiht.


But my point is: I think there are many ways to make the pairing of AD/DC work better than advertised. And while there is urgency to put AD and DC in a position to win as soon as possible, I hope the organization does not try to rush it by taking too many risks. We don't have to sign a max player and/or fire everyone on staff. I want them pick our spots wisely (within reason) and balance risky moves and safe moves. But again to do that, they need a vision and plan to get there. And when a team has 6 returning players from last year's roster (two of those six are Asik and QPon who have barely played), and fires a coach after they make the playoffs (not that I disagreed with it but it did look bad), it doesn't seem to me like there's a clear vision.

So no matter who the Pelicans release, sign, draft, trade for, or fire, we need a vision and a goal from the organization, and we need commitment and patience to the process from the players and coaches. I think leadership starts at the top (in this case its Dell). So in my mind, Dell is on the hot seat more than anyone else. I hope he proves me wrong.