The New Orleans Pelicans discussed Lonzo Ball with several teams before the trade deadline with the Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks among the teams showing interest, sources tell ESPN.

Some executives came away from those talks with the impression that Ball might be made available in a sign-and-trade in the offseason as a restricted free agent.

The Pelicans, however, had indeed expressed interest in keeping Ball. 

Ball is averaging 14.5 points and 38.4% from 3 on 8.1 attempts per game, all career highs.