The Phoenix Suns’ most recent 115-104 defeat at the hands of the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night dropped the team’s record to 16-19, possibly giving their front office some motivation to blow things up and trade their most valued assets.

The Hornets’ victory especially stings since the franchise had lost their previous 10 consecutive games before getting back in the win column against a Phoenix team led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Of those three superstar names, recent reports indicate that the latter could be involved in a trade to an unlikely destination.

“Surprisingly, the Pelicans land second on the list of favorites by Bovada despite them possibly beginning a rebuild,” wrote Athlon Sports’ Nathaniel Holloway on Tuesday morning.

“They are looking to trade away Ingram, and possibly other parts of their roster, but adding Beal’s larger contract while rebuilding does not make much sense for the Pelicans unless they keep their core around.”

While it may not seem to be the ideal trade for New Orleans, their front office could be planning to compete in the coming years despite their current 7-30 record in 2024-25.

Though their record could give a false impression that the franchise is in a serious tanking era, their horrid record to this juncture could fully be attributed to injuries to their most impactful players. 

Two-time All-Star Zion Williamson recently made his long-awaited return from injury on Tuesday in a loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his productive play may have done plenty to signal that the team will continue to compete with their roster as constructed.

Landing Beal would only amplify that sentiment, as the three-time All-Star and 2020-21 All-NBA selection could maximize the Pelicans’ contention window in a loaded Western Conference.

Beal would have to waive his no-trade clause to end up with New Orleans in any scenario, but his potential arrival could be an underrated transaction that brings the Pelicans back to relevance next season.

The 31-year-old guard is averaging 17.8 points and 3.2 assists accompanied by a solid 56.0% effective field goal percentage in 25 appearances for Phoenix.

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