The NBA Trade Rumors explode as the deadline looms. Contenders are filling out last-minute needs like tourists at the airport store. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are having a fire-sale.

New Orleans is working hard at last minute tanking. This is a consequence of their trade at last year's draft to acquire the Philadelphia 76ers Jrue Holiday.

Let's revisit that trade. From the Sixers official press release (posted on CBS Sports):

"The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that they have acquired 2013 All Star Point Guard Jrue Holiday and Pierre Jackson, the 42nd overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, in exchange for the Pelicans first pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, with whom they selected Kentucky F Nerlens Noel, as well as the Pelicans top five lottery protected first round selection in next year's draft."

That means the New Orleans Pelicans will convey their first round pick in the loaded 2014 Draft, unless it lands in the Top 5. New Orleans then tried to contend (that was the purpose of acquiring All-Star guard Holiday). They were impressive early in the season, in large part due to Anthony Davis playing like an MVP.

Multiple injuries to Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson and Tyreke Evans brought them out of the playoffs this late in the season, they have decided to tank in order to recover their 2014 draft pick. To this end, they are willing to trade some of their young assets except for Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday. In Chad Ford's weekly Sports Nation chat:

"There is some moderate interest around the league in Rivers. Bucks among the teams interested. Clipps are too. But I've been told the Pelicans are pushing for an even bigger deal that would ship off Tyreke Evans and/or Eric Gordon. Neither guy easy to move, but makes some sense. They want to tank rest of the season and try to get a Top 5 pick. If they don't get in the top 5, the pick goes to the 76ers."

The Sixers are the 11^th worst team and most probably out of the Top 5. Theoretically they need to lose more games to get their pick back.

Austin Rivers is the son of LA Clippers Coach Doc Rivers. Although Doc Rivers has already mentioned that he does NOT want to coach his son(smart move because he will always be open to conflict of interest/bias accusations), the Clippers need a shooter because of JJ Redick's injury. Austin Rivers fits that mold to a 'T.' He is also a Duke Blue Devil like Redick.

Eric Gordon's stock is very low even if he's talented. He is often injured and his contract, based on his spectacular rookie season, is very expensive. Not too many teams are taking the risk.