The New Orleans Pelicans have engaged in trade conversations leading up to the deadline, with interest growing around players like Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones. Among others attracting attention is point guard Jose Alvarado, who has reportedly caught the eye of the New York Knicks. Despite this, the trade appears stalled due to the Pelicans’ reluctance to assume a contract tied to Guerschon Yabusele.
Contract Concerns Affecting Trade Prospects
Guerschon Yabusele is signed to a two-year, $11 million contract including a second-year player option. The Pelicans appear wary of acquiring him because they may believe Yabusele will exercise this option, keeping him on their salary cap beyond the current season. Such uncertainty has made New Orleans hesitant to take on his contract as part of any trade for Alvarado.
“They still want Jose Alvarado, that is a very real possibility… but the Pelicans do not want to take on Guerschon Yabusele’s contract,”
said Brett Siegel of Clutch Points on Clutch Scoops.
Team Strategy Causes Confusion Across NBA
If the Pelicans choose not to move Alvarado, it is likely they will maintain their current roster through the deadline. NBA observers are puzzled by New Orleans’ unclear approach to this trade period, especially given their refusal to entertain offers for other key contributors.
“Teams around the NBA have been extremely confused with the Pelicans’ approach to this trade season, especially since they never really considered any offers coming their way for Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones,”
Siegel noted. He added,
“Both players have been highly pursued by several playoff-contending teams, and sources said NOLA received offers that included multiple first-round picks for Murphy and Jones.”
Implications for Pelicans’ Playoff Aspirations and Future Moves
New Orleans does not hold its own first-round pick in the upcoming draft, making it strategic to convert players like Murphy and Jones into assets. Despite this, the Pelicans seem to believe they possess a roster capable of postseason success, provided they secure an effective coaching solution. The unresolved trade negotiations and cautious posture may influence how the team positions itself before the deadline and beyond.
. @BrettSiegelNBA on the Knicks' plans ahead of the trade deadline on "Clutch Scoops":
"They still want Jose Alvarado, that is a very real possibility… but the Pelicans do not want to take on Guerschon Yabusele's contract." pic.twitter.com/UwoGRM2TF2
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 4, 2026
