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Report: Pelicans 'willing to part ways' with Ryan Anderson

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Ryan Anderson's time in The Big Easy might be coming to an end.

The Pelicans are "willing to part ways," with Anderson, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, reports NOLA.com's John Reid.

A trade may be brewing between the Phoenix Suns, Yahoo Sport's Shams Charania reported Tuesday. The proposed framework of the deal could involve Anderson and Markieff Morris as the principles.

When asked about the rumors, Anderson didn't flinch.

"It's something that's completely out of my control," said Anderson. "It's really like a no hard feelings kind of thing.

"Being traded before helps, but going through an experience like that is something you can't necessarily prepare your mind for, but you have to understand that it's a part of the game and it's going to happen."

The Pelicans' hesitancy stems in part from Anderson's status as a pending unrestricted free agent. As Reid notes, Anderson could possibly command a maximum contract. Conversely, Morris would provide cost certainty as he's under contract for another three years at $8 million per year.

The other worry with Anderson is his inability to stay healthy. He hasn't played close to a full season since 2012-13, when he logged 81 games during his first season in New Orleans. Knee and back injuries limited him to 83 total appearances over his last two seasons.

However, Anderson does make for an excellent stretch-four when healthy. He's averaging 18 points this season while shooting 37.6 percent on 5.6 3-pointers. Lineups featuring Anderson and franchise star Anthony Davis have proven to be particularly effective, although Anderson still spends time backing up Davis at power forward.

The 27-year-old Anderson is owed $8.5 million this season. He's spent the past four seasons in New Orleans.

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