The player most likely to be traded who is not a star

As the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline nears, league leaders have begun clarifying where The New Orleans Pelicans are standing by as they weigh potential roster changes. As opposing teams continue to inquire about core players, a recent report indicates the most likely Pelicans player to be traded not a star.

ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported Thursday that New Orleans has resisted engaging in meaningful talks involving its top names, even as interest in the league remains steady.

“Teams continue to call Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and Zion Williamson, but the Pelicans are not fully engaged in discussions about any of these three players,” Siegel wrote. “Whatever the Pelicans ultimately decide to do, they won’t be taking long-term money or going over the tax line this season.”

That financial stance narrowed down the most realistic trade candidates. According to Siegel, the player with the most interest is the backup quarterback Jose Alvarado.

“In addition to these three players, the Pelicans have also received a lot of interest in Jose Alvarado, who is their most likely player to receive a deal this season,” Siegel said. “The New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons are interested in the defensive guard.

Alvarado, 27, is in his fifth NBA season and continues to serve as an energy point guard off the bench. He is averaging 7.9 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds and one steal per game while shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three-point range. He appeared in 35 games, averaging 22.2 minutes per contest.

Contractually, Alvarado fits New Orleans’ desire for flexibility. He is in the first year of a two-year, $9 million deal and earned $4.5 million this season. The deal includes a player option for the 2026–27 season, making it an attractive short-term addition for teams looking for defensive depth without a long-term financial commitment.

Jose Alvarado’s trade interest is expanding as the Pelicans evaluate the Ivo Mission market

While Alvarado appears to be the most likely outgoing piece, Siegel noted that the discussions involving the Pelicans aren’t limited to veterans. Second year center Yves Missy has also come up in recent league talkspartly due to his affordable contract and development side.

“After multiple sources informed ClutchPoints of the Chicago Bulls’ interest in Zion Williamson, Joe Cauley of the Chicago Sun-Times recently reported that the team has been in direct trade dialogue with the Pelicans regarding Williamson and second-year center Yves Mission,” Siegel wrote. “League sources have since confirmed to ClutchPoints these conversations.

Missy, 21, is in the second year of his four-year, $15.6 million rookie contract, which includes a team option for the 2027-28 season. His cost-controlled contract has added to his appeal around the league as New Orleans seeks flexibility before the deadline.

Siegel added that despite outside pressure, New Orleans has maintained its position on Williamson.

“Still, the Pelicans remained steadfast in their stance to keep Zion … for now,” he reported.

Missy has had a reduced role this season, but remains a developmental prospect. He is averaging 5.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 assists in 38 games, including seven starts, while playing 18.8 minutes per game.

For now, the Pelicans’ focus remains on stabilizing a difficult season. New Orleans is 10–36, last in the Western Conference, and riding a three-game losing streak after a 112–104 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. The team begins a three-game road trip on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies (18-24) at 8:00 PM ET.