New Orleans Pelicans face a crisis of their own making as the NBA trade deadline looms. A brutal collapse against the Charlotte Hornets—blowing a 22-point lead and scoring just 31 second-half points—amplifies tough questions about Jordan Poole’s $30 million contract and the value of the team's underperforming role players like Saddiq Bey and Jose Alvarado. Is the Pelicans’ front office ready to make hard choices, or will they repeat past mistakes?

Jake Madison breaks down the missteps in roster construction, the challenge of moving off negative contracts, and the pitfalls of falling in love with role players who aren’t moving the needle. As fan apathy threatens to swallow the franchise, Jake Madison argues that standing pat at the deadline would send the wrong message. Can New Orleans make a decisive move and restore hope, or is a patient rebuild the only way forward?

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The states were about as big as it gets in New Orleans, and Zion Williamson and the Pelicans got a big win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Zion dominated the game for the Pels and Jake Madison explains why that, and this game, is a really big deal. Plus, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were held in check by Herb Jones. And Trey Murphy closed the game over CJ McCollum.

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Are the New Orleans Pelicans the most frustrating team? A loss to the Houston Rockets followed up by a big win has Jake Madison begging for consistency. Plus, he breaks down the adjustments that allowed Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Jonas Valanciunas to all thrive.

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New Orleans Pelicans face a critical crossroad—will they commit to a youth movement with rising stars Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears or continue the "win now" push around Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy? Jake Madison spotlights the team's identity crisis after a telling loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, questioning whether the Pelicans’ offense can ever click without a defined leader and a reliable closing strategy.

With the NBA trade deadline looming, Jake Madison unpacks key trade rumors, the value of role players like Saddiq Bey and Jose Alvarado, and what potential moves might shape the franchise's long-term outlook. The episode features sharp takes on Herb Jones' impact, the need for a true centerpiece at center, and the tough decisions facing Joe Dumars on possible Ja Morant talks. Can the Pelicans avoid being stuck in NBA purgatory—or is a rebuild their only path forward?

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DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

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PrizePicks

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Quo

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Gametime

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New Orleans Pelicans signal a shift in franchise philosophy as trade rumors swirl around Yves Missi, Jose Alvarado, and Saddiq Bey. Prioritizing first-round picks over quick fixes, the front office appears to be embracing patience and long-term growth instead of rushing a win-now timeline. Could this strategic pivot mark the beginning of a true rebuild around rookies like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears while Zion Williamson’s future in New Orleans remains uncertain?

Jake Madison unpacks the hottest names on the NBA trade market, possible bidders like the Knicks, Pacers, Warriors, Lakers, and Raptors, and what holding out for maximum value could mean for the Pelicans’ trajectory. Key topics include Mevci’s trade value, locker room discontent, the pitfalls of losing core veterans, and the risks of player disenchantment with another losing season. Don’t miss this on-point breakdown of the Pelicans’ evolving strategy and what it means for fans hoping for sustainable success.

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FanDuel

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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s looming trade request may be the lifeline the New Orleans Pelicans need—if they resist the urge to make a short-sighted move. Jake Madison breaks down why staying clear of the Giannis sweepstakes and holding onto the 2027 unprotected Milwaukee Bucks pick could set the Pelicans up for future NBA Draft dominance, with the real possibility of landing two top-4 picks in a key rebuilding year.

Key topics include the precarious state of the Dejounte Murray trade, why patience is now the franchise’s smartest play, and the encouraging revelation that the front office never pursued a trade for Ja Morant. Jake Madison assesses rookie impacts from Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, the Bucks’ plummeting outlook, and why the Pelicans must prioritize long-term upside over quick fixes before the trade deadline chaos. Can New Orleans finally chart a sustainable path forward?

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FanDuel

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New Orleans Pelicans' loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder exposes glaring weaknesses just ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Can Zion Williamson’s offensive evolution and the emergence of Yves Missi as a rim protector offset catastrophic rebounding woes and lackluster three-point shooting? Jake Madison unpacks how the Pelicans’ defeat, despite a healthy roster and positive stretches from Saddiq Bey, highlights fundamental issues that must influence upcoming roster moves.

Key topics include the impact of poor defensive rebounding, the team’s struggles from beyond the arc, questionable decisions from coach James Borrego, and how the front office should prioritize long-term fixes over desperate quick trades. Jake Madison weighs in on the controversial officiating—including Lou Dort’s late-game altercation—and lays out why New Orleans must focus on shedding bad contracts and planning for next season, not chasing fleeting play-in hopes. Will the Pelicans commit to the rebuild they need?

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FanDuel

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New Orleans Pelicans face swirling trade rumors as speculation links Ja Morant to the team in a blockbuster deal. Could unloading Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole’s unfavorable contracts for Morant transform the franchise, or is this just noise? Jake Madison calls out the real story behind the rumors, dissecting contract value, team leverage, and credible reporting from top insiders like Marc Stein and Jake Fisher.

Pelicans’ front office strategy comes into question as they seek a first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, despite having traded away their own. Are they overlooking the difference in draft pick value? Plus, rising stars Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen receive All-Star Weekend honors, signaling hope for the team’s future. Should New Orleans go all-in on trades, or focus on developing young talent? Don’t miss Jake Madison’s sharp analysis on the Pelicans’ drama, roster moves, and the implications for their playoff ambitions.

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Gametime

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FanDuel

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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