New Orleans Pelicans power forward Ryan Anderson. (Photo : Getty Images)
New Orleans is reportedly offering power forward Ryan Anderson in a package that includes center Omer Asik to Milwaukee in exchange for the Bucks' "expendable" center Greg Monroe as the Pelicans look to overhaul a team that was expected to make waves this season but instead created disappointments.
When Alvin Gentry joined the Pelicans last May, NBA analysts predicted that the team is headed to new heights in 2015-2016 especially with the presence of the young and talented Anthony Davis.
However, the team did not do anything for them to be considered a serious contender even in the stacked West Conference as injuries have plagued the team, particularly their guards.
New Orleans is currently holding a disappointing 20-32 record and is looking headed to an early vacation this April. Only the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers have worse records than them out in the West.
Indeed, it is clear that a "drastic overhaul" is needed by the Pelicans "either before the trade deadline or in the off-season" to "maximize their return on future assets" and to bounce back from their current forgettable and disastrous season, as per SB Nation's the Bird Writes.
One of the players on the Pelicans' trading block is Anderson, who according to Fansided "is going to be a highly sought after commodity when free agency arrives this summer".
Anderson is in the final year of his four-year, $34 million contract with New Orleans and so he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The 34-year-old, eight-year veteran is currently having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 16.9 points and 5.9 rebounds in 31.2 minutes of play per night, which made his value increase even more.
The Bird Writes suggested dealing with the Bucks for Monroe, who recently "was made available for trade publicly", and including Asik in the package with Anderson.
Monroe, with his current averages of 16.6 points and 9.7 boards, will be huge for the Pelicans statistically and physically as Davis could slide back to his usual no. 4 role where he is more effective.
The 25-year-old New Orleans, Louisiana native would certainly welcome playing for his hometown squad and will be more comfortable playing defense with Davis by his side.
Meanwhile, Anderson could provide the Bucks the stretch four that they need to create more space for their talented wing players. Milwaukee is currently 29th in the league at three-pointers attempted and the 2012 NBA Most Improved Player could definitely help to improve that number.
