The New Orleans Pelicans have been one of the most widely speculated NBA teams this season. Rumors regarding the basketball group's interest in trade deals have plagued the league. Apart from the interest from the New Orleans Pelicans, it looks like other teams have been looking into potentially bankable stars in the Anthony Davis squad.
The most recent New Orleans Pelicans star to be included in the NBA trade rumor mill is Tyreke Evans. The small forward has been missing games since the start of the season due to a right knee injury. While he appears on and off in the hardwood court, his presence provides a notable boost in the New Orleans Pelicans roster. However, it looks like the NBA team might be reconsidering his significance in the squad.
"Sources: Pelicans are listening to trade offers for Tyreke Evans and gauging his value. He is on the books for $10.2 million next season," revealed basketball expert Michael Scotto via Twitter.
Speculations earlier arose that the New Orleans Pelicans are testing the waters for Evans in the market. With Davis going in and out of the injured list as well, the NBA team is in need of a reliable leader in the hardwood court. This does not mean, however, the Evans is out of the woods. Some sources still claim that the small forward remains a potential trading chip for the New Orleans Pelicans.
"The big takeaway here is that New Orleans doesn't appear to be actively shopping him a la Eric Gordon," noted Oleh Kosel of SB Nation. The sports reporter added, "Rather, Evans' situation could be viewed similarly to Ryan Anderson where the interest is arising from other organizations. On multiple occasions, this franchise has downplayed all Anderson rumors stating they still view him as an important future piece."
Meanwhile, New Orleans Pelicans star Davis is once again in danger following a concussion scare during the game against the Houston Rockets. He was sidelined after his head hit Evans' elbow accidentally, causing the team to not allow him to play during the match against the Sacramento Kings. Davis has been announced cleared for the game against the Brooklyn Nets, but Evans has yet to get the go signal to return to the hardwood.
The constant injuries incurred by the 22-year-old Davis is now a source of frustration among New Orleans Pelicans fans. The NBA All-Star has been considered a fragile commodity in the roster, with the basketball team pulling him out every time a push or shove appears to be too much. Hence, some fans deem it more practical for a growing team to look for a different player to become the franchise's face.
Despite these rumors, Davis remains an important part of the New Orleans Pelicans. In fact, even Tony Brown is impressed with the young star. The interim head coach of the Brooklyn Nets shared that Davis is one of the most remarkable players in the NBA today.
"I think it's well-documented that his skill level with his size, athletic ability, ability to shoot from the outside, the length he presents on the glass (on) both ends of the floor, shot-blocking abilities," said Brown of Davis. He added, "The guy is a bona fide star in our league. Unfortunately for him, he's had about with injuries and you hate to see that."
