Despite battling inconsistencies throughout the season, the New Orleans Pelicans do not appear set for a fire sale ahead of the trade deadline. After a recent report indicated Lonzo Ball’s future will be with the Pelicans at least through the deadline, Josh Hart may be the next player whose future will be in New Orleans.
On Wednesday’s episode of “The Lowe Post” podcast, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported the Pelicans have rebuffed teams inquiring about Hart ahead of the trade deadline:
“The guy I wish they could get that probably the price would be a little bit cheaper than Harrison Barnes is Josh Hart from the Pelicans. He would be amazing for them. From what I’ve heard about teams that have inquired about Josh Hart, the Pelicans absolutely love him. He’s a restricted free agent this summer and (the Pelicans) have shown very little interest in dealing him.”
This season, Hart is averaging 9.1 points and a career-high 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 45.3% from the field and 34.3% from 3-point territory. Despite starting just two games, Hart has played in all 35 games this season, joining Brandon Ingram as the only Pelican to do so.
While Ingram, Ball and Zion Williamson have established themselves as the core of the future, Hart has established himself as one of the best ancillary pieces around them. That quartet has played 97 minutes together this season with a net rating of 11.8.
New Orleans opting not to come to agreements on extensions with either Hart or Ball in the preseason looks to be decisions that backfired as each is set for big paydays this offseason.
