The New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies are the top subjects of trade rumors as both teams are struggling early in the 2015-2016 NBA regular season.
The Pelicans currently sits at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 2-11 record, while the Grizzlies are hardly managing to keep their winning ways with a 7-7 slate.
Both teams are expected to play well after offseason acquisitions, especially in the Pelicans' part. But it seems bad luck has struck these teams, and now they are in need of a roster shakeup to salvage their campaign.
According to DeAntae Prince of the Sports Illustrated, the Pelicans could shuffle their lineup a bit by trading Eric Gordon to the Grizzlies in exchange for Tony Allen and Courtney Lee.
Prince noted that Pelicans' fast-paced offense tailored by Alvin Gentry are leaving them "dead last in the league in defensive efficiency."
Memphis, on the other hand, are in deep need of outside shooters. They have already traded for Mario Chalmers, but the former Miami Heat point guard is not known much for his shooting abilities.
Gordon is averaging 18.4 points on 40.4 percent shooting in 13 games for the Pelicans. His playing a solid game for the Pelicans and his perimeter weapon has been effective, so far.
Meanwhile, Allen and Lee would certainly provide the needed spark on the defensive end for the Pelicans. With both defenders on the court, the Pelicans will have no problem running Gentry's style of play.
However, according to Real GM trade checker, a trade involving only these three players would not work, so both parties may need to tinker the pieces involved a bit as Gordon's contract does not match the combined salary of both Allen and Lee.
Gordon is playing the last term of his four-year $58 million contract, which makes him the more tradable asset the Pelicans have. If the Pelicans continue to struggle, he is the top candidate to exit New Orleans.