This trade AD scenario only comes into play if the Pelicans severely disappoint.
In fairness, New Orleans is as hard to gauge as any team in the league. They're in the mighty West- which is humbling, their roster is of an unusual configuration, and they depend on some players with a volatile history.*
This is not to say New Orleans is headed down; it could easily be the opposite. But if they do disappoint, it's no insult to receive one of the biggest trade hauls ever while doing a reset.
*Take a look at the recent Rondo Tour of Destruction:
Rondo went to Dallas. They gave up a lot and had a disappointing season.
Rondo went to Sacramento: They gave up their star and had a disappointing season.
Rondo went to Chicago. They had a disappointing season and gave up their star.
Rondo went to New Orleans... maybe that changes this time.
The Pelicans could just as easily surprise to the upside, make the playoffs and look formidable. If it goes bad, the AD for a king's ransom alternative- purely as an emergency option- is a good thing.