The New Orleans Pelicans made it no secret that they were very much interested in trading Lonzo Ball prior to the NBA Trade Deadline.
According to multiple reports, the front office spoke to at least five teams about a potential deal. It even got to the point where Ball came out and revealed which squad he wanted to be dealt to.
Then the deadline came and went with nothing happening.
On Monday, some interesting details came out regarding why Ball is still with the Pelicans.
It’s not for a lack of effort to deal him – it’s simply because all of New Orleans’ attempts to do so were shot down.
According to former Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut, the Pelicans tried trading Ball for Kelly Oubre Jr. The Warriors ultimately passed.
Bogut on Oubre:
“I have it on good authority that they had an offer actually for Lonzo Ball and I think a throw-in, a pick, for Oubre and the Warriors turned it down funnily enough, but I thought that was a pretty good deal to shed some salary and get a pick back.” pic.twitter.com/i9fa6efQCe
— r/Warriors (@GSWReddit) April 5, 2021
“I have it on good authority that they had an offer actually for Lonzo Ball and I think a throw-in, a pick, for Oubre and the Warriors turned it down funnily enough, but I thought that was a pretty good deal to shed some salary and get a pick back,” he said.
Ball is averaging a career-best 14.5 points and 5.6 assists per game for the Pelicans this year. Oubre, meanwhile, is averaging 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds for the Warriors.
If Golden State actually turned down Ball and picks for Oubre, they should be sued for malpractice by their fans.
LaMelo continuing to make a strong case for Rookie of the Year. https://t.co/hThv2JqlgN
— Game 7 (@game7__) April 4, 2021
For what it’s worth, Ball has handled the entire situation really well. His reaction to almost being traded was very sensible, and it seems like he has no hard feelings towards the front office. He’s genuinely happy to be in New Orleans.
Will the organization be able to sign him long-term during the offseason to a deal both sides can be happy with? Time will tell.
Related: Michael Rapaport Explains Why He Snitched On Kevin Durant
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
