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Ryan Anderson was one of the most pursued trade targets heading into Thursday's deadline, but the power forward is staying with the New Orleans Pelicans through the rest of the season now that the window to trade him has closed. Marc Stein of ESPN reported with 10 minutes remaining until the deadline that Anderson wouldn't be traded.
It appears Anderson's pending free agency this summer left many teams unwilling to cough up enough assets, according to Stein. Anderson wasn't the only player on the trade block who will be a free agent this summer. Teams weren't willing to give up players for someone who might ditch them in a few months, which is likely why Dwight Howard and Al Horford stayed with the Rockets and Hawks, respectively.
Anderson was a prime target for a few teams, including the Cavaliers. Now in his eighth year in the league, Anderson is a great offensive power forward who can stretch defenses -- a valuable commodity in the new NBA. He is averaging 16.7 points in 31 minutes per game this season while shooting 43 percent from the field and 38 percent from three. He isn't the greatest defender, but his offensive skill set is a huge asset.
It's been a trying year in New Orleans after the squad made the playoffs last season and hired Alvin Gentry to lead them this year. However, at 20-33, they're 6.5 games out of the playoffs in the West. And now, they may be getting nothing in return for Anderson, who could part ways with them this summer.