New Orleans Pelicans power forward Ryan Anderson goes around Houston Rockets' Kostas Papanikolaou. (Photo : Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans power forward Ryan Anderson has been the subject of many NBA trade rumors recently, linking him to the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets, as the Pelicans struggle in starting the new season.
New coach Alvin Gentry's boys are currently one of the bottom three teams in the Western Conference with a 1-6 slate, just winning their first game of the season on Tuesday, 120-105, against the Dallas Mavericks after kicking off on a five-game losing skid.
Injuries to their top guards and wingmen were said to be the main reasons why they are struggling, but speculations are out that Gentry is planning on a massive roster shakeup in midseason to make sure the team enters the playoffs.
Anderson has great trade value because he is a big outside shooter that is perfect in today's small ball style of play in the NBA. He also plays good defense and hustles a lot, which attracts interest from potential suitors.
One of the rumors involving Anderson is a possible trade with the Wizards, who according to Fansided is looking for a new stretch four as "the team's lack of depth, especially at the power forward spot" is slowly becoming evident as the regular season moves along.
The problem with this speculation is who or what Washington is willing to let go in exchange for Anderson as they seem to lack the assets New Orleans is looking for.
Danilo Gallinari is untouchable at the moment. Perhaps Nenê, who is also rumored to be in the trading block, could suffice to add brawn beside Davis in the Pelicans frontcourt, but generally, there is no striking indication that Gentry is interested in any of the Wizards' players.
Meanwhile, NESN reported that Brooklyn Nets GM Billy King "is looking to make a trade" right now to save his 0-7 team from further humiliation out in the weaker Eastern Conference.
The article mentioned a rumor involving Joe Johnson and Jarrett Jack in exchange for Anderson and Eric Gordon, but it remains to be only that: a rumor. It is unclear whether the Pelicans is willing to shoulder Johnson's expiring salary or not and to let go of a power forward without getting a big man in return as well.
Taken as a whole, it looks like the Ryan Anderson saga will take until the February trade deadline to settle.
