The Los Angeles Lakers are reeling from a devastating blow as their top trade target, Herbert Jones, has been declared off-limits by the New Orleans Pelicans. This move leaves the Lakers scrambling to reshape their roster before the February 5 trade deadline. But here's where it gets controversial: Is the Pelicans' decision to hold onto Jones a strategic masterstroke or a missed opportunity for both teams? Let’s dive into the details and explore what this means for the Lakers' future.
The Pelicans have made it crystal clear that Jones, along with four other core players—Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears—are untouchable in any trade discussions. According to insider Chris Haynes, the Pelicans are standing firm, even as they face an uphill battle to secure a play-in spot. Haynes reported on X, “Sources: New Orleans Pelicans are disappointing the market in informing teams that Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears will remain with the organization past the Feb. 5 trade deadline.”
For the Lakers, this news couldn’t come at a worse time. No player has been more closely linked to the Lakers by scouts and insiders than Jones, as noted by The Athletic’s Dan Woike. When the Lakers inquired about Jones in early December, they were swiftly rebuffed, despite the fact that Jones can’t be traded until the January 15 restriction on his new contract extension expires. Woike also revealed that the Pelicans had zero interest in a Lakers trade package that included Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and a first-round pick. “Considering what LA would have to offer in a deal, expiring contracts and a single first-round pick, the Pelicans almost certainly wouldn’t engage at that price point,” Woike explained.
And this is the part most people miss: Even if the Pelicans were open to trading Jones, their asking price would be astronomical. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Pelicans would demand a minimum of two unprotected first-round picks—a price the Lakers simply can’t match before the offseason. With Jones effectively out of reach, the Lakers must pivot to other potential trade targets, such as Keon Ellis, Andrew Wiggins, and Daniel Gafford.
Ellis, in particular, presents an intriguing option. The Sacramento Kings have reportedly set an asking price of one first-round pick for the 3-and-D guard. However, Forbes’ Evan Sidery noted that the Lakers are hesitant to part with their only tradable first-rounder (in 2031) for a relatively unproven player like Ellis. “The Lakers recently checked in with the Kings on Keon Ellis,” Sidery reported. “Sacramento is seeking at least a 1st-round pick for Ellis, who is viewed as a well above-average 3-and-D guard. Los Angeles is willing to include Dalton Knecht, but they’re reluctant to give up their only pick.”
As the Lakers (23-13) navigate this challenging trade landscape, they’re also dealing with on-court struggles. A recent loss to the Milwaukee Bucks (17-21) dropped them to the fifth seed in the West, with only a one-game lead over the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns (23-15). JJ Redick’s team is now in danger of slipping into the play-in bracket, adding even more urgency to their trade deadline decisions.
Here’s the burning question: Are the Pelicans making the right call by holding onto Jones, or should they have capitalized on the Lakers' desperation? And for the Lakers, is it wiser to hold onto their assets or take a gamble on a lesser-known player like Ellis? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
