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Pelicans' Trade Targets (PTT)

Posted on 2/26/23 at 1:55 am
Posted by DLBalla
Member since Jul 2018
219 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 1:55 am
So Pelicans are really bad again with Zion out, so time to start trade-dreaming again. At this point, it seems likely that one of the Pelicans or Lakers will miss out the playoffs, giving the Pelicans a lottery pick. Trending now that it could be the Pelicans missing out and having their own lotto pick. It seems doubtful that they will want to draft/develop another rookie that Willie Green won't play (unless it's top-2 Wemby or Scoot), so they will likely be very motivated to trade their 1st this year for current player(s) that will help the team.

The main remedy for the team is obviously their star players (Zion and Ingram) being consistently healthy and missing less games. Their Center situation is also a big area in need of an upgrade, along with overall 3 point shooting. They probably will try to keep the main core (Zion, Ingram, McCullom) together and only trade their high-value young players for a big upgrade (Dyson, Murphy, Herb, Jose). That leaves the main trade salaries of Valanciunas (15.4 mil expiring), Kira (5.7 mil expiring/RFA rights), with Nance (10 mil., 2 yr.) being valued, but available for a real upgrade. Any moves they make will probably keep them under the tax. So the target is a player(s) between $15-$30 mil.).

*2023 1st is unknown at this point. What realistic players/packages would you look to trade for? Here's some of my ideas:

1)
Mikal Bridges
for '23 1st, Daniels, Alvarado, Valanciunas, '24/25 LAL 1st (defer option)

BKN loves Bridges, but here they jump at a big offer to add a top rookie prospect, Daniels with huge upside, the valuable Lakers' defer option pick (Bronny!), and get the Brooklyn King himself, hometown hero Jose Alvarado to electrify the fanbase.

NOP gets a top-level ironman starter with history with head coach Green from the Suns days. He availability can help keep the team afloat if Z or BI miss games again.
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2)
Nic Claxton
for '23 1st, Kira Lewis Jr., Jose Alvarado, '27 MIL 1st unp.

Claxton probably a keeper for BKN, but if they get a great offer? Here Pels get their C of now and the future, anchoring their switch-defense, while BKN gets great value in a top rookie and Jose Brooklyn King, and pass on paying Claxton his next big contract.
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3)
Bridges and Claxton
for '23 1st, Daniels, Murphy, Alvarado, Valanciunas, '24/'25 LAL 1st, '24 NOP 1st unp., '26 NOP 1st unp., '27 MIL unp., '25 & '27 NOP swaps

The mega offer that gets NOP two young starters, and BKN a super rebuild/retool package.
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4)
Dorian Finney-Smith and Claxton
for '23 1st, Valanciunas, Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, '24/'25 LAL 1st

NOP gets 2 starters, BKN gets more value from the Kyrie trade and Claxton.
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5)
Myles Turner
for '23 1st, Herb Jones, Valanciunas, '24/'25 LAL 1st

The long-rumored target. Is it destiny for Pelican-Myles union? NOP gets a great fit at C, IND pivots with a great rebuilding package.
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6)
Deandre Ayton
for '23 1st, Valanciunas, Nance

Third team could be needed (Capela, Nance to PHX). Pels get mobile, newly-motivated star C, PHX moves on from Ayton, retools for championship runs.
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7)
Devin Vassell
for '23 1st, Kira Lewis Jr.

NOP gets starter with high two-way potential, SAS gets a reset on another rookie contract to add a star rookie.
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* Honorable Mention (unlikely-even available?) -

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
for '23 1st, Daniels, Murphy, Herb Jones, Alvarado, '24/'25 LAL 1st, '24 NOP 1st unp., '26 NOP 1st unp., '27 MIL unp., '25 & '27 NOP swaps, '28 NOP 1st unp.

The mega-offer that OKC/Presti would at least have to think about. Would give NOP a true superstar to carry the load if Zion misses time, and the ultimate duo/trio/quadruplet with a fully healthy roster.
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Lauri Markkanen
for '23 1st, Murphy, Valanciunas (re-route?), '24/'25 LAL 1st defer option

Lauri likely a keeper for UTA, but this is the kind of deal Danny would have to consider. Would probably demand Dyson. Questionable fit alongside Zion and Ingram, but the talent, contract, and 3pt spacing is there.
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Wendall Carter Jr.
for '23 1st, Valanciunas

Probably would need to be expanded since ORL may have 2 other lotto picks already. But WCJ is the type of starting C on a great contract that the Pels could benefit from.
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Jarrett Allen
for '23 1st, Valanciunas, Kira Lewis Jr., '27 MIL 1st

Probably not available with CLE being so good, but if they envision Mobley moving into starting C role and target a top SF/PF in the draft (J. Walker, Thompson, Whitmore), they could be enticed to move Allen in the right deal.
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OG Anunoby
for '23 1st, Valanciunas

Anunoby's contract (and agent) status makes a trade for him risky, but he's the kind of talent gamble worth taking for NOP/Griffin if given early indications he would re-sign long-term. TOR gets a high upside rookie building block and forgo Anunoby's free agency.
This post was edited on 2/27/23 at 2:47 am
Posted by htran90
BC
Member since Dec 2012
31825 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 2:22 am to
I'm content with staying put and getting Brandon miller at 4.

A 3-level scorer who can and should be able to get his own shot at the next level. It allows at least 1 of 4 things

1. You can move from herb/Naji if needed.
2. It gives you the #3 guy that Cj will eventually cede and doesn't force Dyson into needing to be the scorer
3. Cost controlled asset to move forward.
4. Can play small ball pf, not forcing Ingram into that role either.

You will still need an upgrade at c and backup pg but it eases a lot of offensive woes
Posted by 3PieceSpicy
Metairie
Member since Jan 2021
7652 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 2:45 am to
I appreciate the level of effort and some of these are definitely names we should discuss, but a lot of these seem like massive overpays imho.

I would somehow love to get Bridges on this team for solid draft capital, Herb Jones, and Jonas. I think I would have a hard time giving up Jose and Dyson in the same deal at this juncture.

Using #4 to get someone like Claxton, Vassell, or Wendell Carter would have me hunting down Griff and throwing him off a Cliff.

Even using #4 to get Turner or Allen would have me heated and looking for the nearest fire starter as well.

The thing with bigs, is you can technically generally find them in the middle of the first or even the 2nd rd sometimes. It’s why everyone blew a gasket when we spent #8 on Hayes. Obviously these guys are better than Hayes, but still it’s hard to justify spending pick #4 on a non all star big man on a big money contract (or about to be big).

If we are going to use pick #4 and other assets on a Big, I’m calling Minny for Towns. And I know he isn’t perfect, but at least he can shoot.

Porzingis is another guy who should be considered. Elite stretch big and shot blocking big. (However, Not with pick 4)
Posted by Soggymoss
Member since Aug 2018
17003 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 5:59 am to
You have some huge overpays, especially for Turner and Vassell, and others that salary doesn’t align.

Also keep in mind, we will not add a 4th max contract to this roster, BI would be going out in any scenario for a max level player.
This post was edited on 2/26/23 at 6:05 am
Posted by J_Hingle
LA
Member since Jun 2013
5369 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 8:11 am to
I don’t even care anymore. Whatever they do, I expect it not to work out lol
Posted by shel311
McKinney, Texas
Member since Aug 2004
112568 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 9:22 am to
Some of those are overpays but it's a welcomed change from the 95% of fake trades that are always massive skewed to favor the Pels we generally see.

Give me the Bridges/Claxton option where we can do whatever it takes to keep Trey, and we're set. Give em all the 1sts, don't care. CJ/BI/Zion/Claxton with Trey as a 6th man, I need that.


The main one I just don't think is worth being on is SGA. I just see no reason for OKC to give up a fringe top 10 dude for more young assets and draft picks but like the OP said, he labeled it as potentially unavailable.
Posted by shel311
McKinney, Texas
Member since Aug 2004
112568 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 9:26 am to
quote:

Using #4 to get someone like Claxton, Vassell, or Wendell Carter would have me hunting down Griff and throwing him off a Cliff.

Even using #4 to get Turner or Allen would have me heated and looking for the nearest fire starter as well.
I'd trade 4 for Claxton in a heartbeat.
quote:

The thing with bigs, is you can technically generally find them in the middle of the first or even the 2nd rd sometimes
We can't, not a legit rim protector.
quote:

If we are going to use pick #4 and other assets on a Big, I’m calling Minny for Towns. And I know he isn’t perfect, but at least he can shoot.

Porzingis is another guy who should be considered. Elite stretch big and shot blocking big. (However, Not with pick 4)
Would have to give up 1 of our big 3 for either which doesn't seem realistic, just won't happen imo
Posted by Townedrunkard
Member since Jan 2019
13567 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 9:59 am to
I keep seeing these Bridges trades but once again why would the Nets want to trade him or Claxton?

The Rockets own their future, it makes absolutely zero sense for them to start a rebuild. Teams add young players and draft picks so they get the bonus of their picks being crap when they tank to hit the lotto. That’s not happening with the Nets. They turned down multiple offers of draft picks for him at the deadline.

I’m sure they’ll consider a trade for a win now player like BI. So feel free to include him on your dream scenarios.
This post was edited on 2/26/23 at 10:00 am
Posted by Dinky Mulberry
Member since Aug 2021
2246 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 11:32 am to
Bottom line: I'd trade BI (straight up if I had to) for Mikal Bridges. Bridges will soon have a better overall offensive game than BI, if he doesn't already...& since he was runnerup for DPOY last year, I'm gonna go out on a limb & say he'll be a bit better defensivley than BI from this point forward.

Then (or better yet, as part of the deal above) I'd try & find a way to trade for Claxton. I'm not very informed on the "money aspect" of NBA trades so I may be waaay out of line trying to secure Claxton. As somebody already mentioned above...assuming the Nets would place quite a bit more value on Jose than we SHOULD...I'd make sure & include him in any trade.

Bottom line Part 2: I still have no idea what Zion will become, as a player...& won't, until I see him play in the playoffs. But...I've seen MORE than enough of BI...to know what to expect from him in the future AND...to know I'd rather have Bridges from this point forward.
Posted by shel311
McKinney, Texas
Member since Aug 2004
112568 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 11:36 am to
quote:

Bridges will soon have a better overall offensive game than BI, if he doesn't already
He certainly doesn't already.

You vastly undervalue scoring efficiency as a 4th option no one game plans for taking open looks vs a 1st/2nd option that teams gameplan to get the ball out of their hands.
Posted by duyp
Member since May 2011
3296 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 12:17 pm to
If we was a shitty drafting team, I would’ve. But we aren’t the past 2 years. It’s wild how you think Turner is worth a 4th pick when they been shopping him almost every year. Plus you don’t factor in the salaries too.
Posted by WhiteMandingo
Member since Jan 2016
7408 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 12:22 pm to
You know he delivers.
He has a gun so he's nola ready
Posted by 3PieceSpicy
Metairie
Member since Jan 2021
7652 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 12:26 pm to
My issue w Claxton for #4 is he can’t can’t create his own shot or shoot further than 2 feet from the rim. He is a 52% ft shooter. He is also a UFA in 2024. You should try to use pick #4 on a guy like Garland, not Claxton imo. If you are spending pick #4 on a big, it should be for someone like Mobley that also shows offensive potential. Jury is still out if he can ever shoot a 3 better than 30%, but at least he tries and he can shoot fts at 70%.

Can Claxton really guard a guy like Giannis, Embiid, or Jokic down low? If he can do that, maybe I shift my opinion slightly.

Gafford was pick #35 in the Jaxson Hayes draft and he’s one of the few guys in the league we’ve seen defend the rim against Zion. Gobert was a late 1st rd pick. Jokic was a 2nd rd pick. Claxton himself was a late 1st rd pick. Duren was a mid rd pick this year. Jarrett Allen was picked in the 20’s. These are just a few examples off of the top of my head.

If you can somewhat scout, you can find a Claxton type player that can defend the rim without burning a top 5 pick and other assets. I truly believe that.
Posted by Dinky Mulberry
Member since Aug 2021
2246 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 12:41 pm to
quote:


If you can somewhat scout, you can find a Claxton type player that can defend the rim without burning a top 5 pick and other assets. I truly believe that.


I want Bridges...as soon as possible. He's only gonna get better & better (& more expensive). He'll blow by BI as an overall basketball player very soon. In fact, I think he already has, beginning about midway in this season. Not hard to see this guy coming on strong offensively for anybody that has recently watched him play.

I agree on Claxton. I'd take him but not at the price it's gonna take. There will be plenty of "Claxtons" coming down the pipe...be patient and we should be able to find one...at a far more decent price.
Posted by shel311
McKinney, Texas
Member since Aug 2004
112568 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 2:17 pm to
quote:

My issue w Claxton for #4 is he can’t can’t create his own shot or shoot further than 2 feet from the rim
We don't need him to, just be a dominant rim protector.

If CJ/BI/Zion/Trey can't generate enough offense, then we're just not good enough.
quote:

If you are spending pick #4 on a big, it should be for someone like Mobley that also shows offensive potential.
Who is like Mobley and realistically available?
quote:

Can Claxton really guard a guy like Giannis, Embiid, or Jokic down low? If he can do that, maybe I shift my opinion slightly.
No one can do that consistently, so I wouldn't worry about that.
quote:

If you can somewhat scout, you can find a Claxton type player that can defend the rim without burning a top 5 pick and other assets. I truly believe that
But we haven't done that.
Posted by M3From225
Member since Feb 2021
312 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 2:37 pm to
Can I downvote this post more than once?
Posted by RUFshreve
Shree'pote
Member since Jul 2016
3027 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 4:10 pm to
quote:

Wendall Carter Jr.
for #4 overall, Valanciunas

Probably would need to be expanded if #4 pick > WCJ in value, and ORL may have 2 other lotto picks already. But WCJ is the type of starting C on a great contract that the Pels could benefit from.


Posted by RUFshreve
Shree'pote
Member since Jul 2016
3027 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 4:20 pm to
quote:

I want Bridges...as soon as possible. He's only gonna get better & better (& more expensive). He'll blow by BI as an overall basketball player very soon. In fact, I think he already has, beginning about midway in this season. Not hard to see this guy coming on strong offensively for anybody that has recently watched him play.


Idk what universe you're living in Dinky, but theres about a 0.0000002% chance that Bridges will ever be on the level of Brandon Ingram offensively. That's just not gonna happen. Ingram is arguably our most complete player and out best closer. He is clutch in the 4th and he is having to carry the team offensively right now. Bridges never has to carry the load BI does, doesn't have to face elite defenders all game long, etc..

Bridges is a very good all-around player and I'd love to add him to this team, but to say he's better than BI is just blasphemy.
Posted by Dinky Mulberry
Member since Aug 2021
2246 posts
Posted on 2/26/23 at 6:45 pm to
quote:

quote:
I want Bridges...as soon as possible. He's only gonna get better & better (& more expensive). He'll blow by BI as an overall basketball player very soon. In fact, I think he already has, beginning about midway in this season. Not hard to see this guy coming on strong offensively for anybody that has recently watched him play.


Idk what universe you're living in Dinky, but theres about a 0.0000002% chance that Bridges will ever be on the level of Brandon Ingram offensively. That's just not gonna happen.


No problem...you might be right. I just think that BI is already VERY close to his ceiling & Mikal has just started to elevate his offensive game. He probably took a quantum leap earlier this year...offensively.

Hopefully...we can agree on 3 things about the Mikal/BI comparisons.
1.Mikal is a wee bit better defensive player since he finished runner up for the DPOY last year while BI is...well...BI, on the defensive end.
2.Mikal is wee bit more durable than BI, since he has played 5 years & has NEVER missed a single game. Once again...BI...is BI.
3.BI makes $10/12M per year more over the next few years than Mikal.

Having said that, I also think their actual offensive numbers will probably favor Mikal from this point forward...whichever offensive numbers you choose to use. I understand how most folks don't believe this...but jmo...I doubt they have taken the trouble of analyzing Mikal's numbers and where they are most likely headed, from this point forward. It's fairly obvious...but also quite understandable...why most people wouldn't realize it.
This post was edited on 2/27/23 at 9:46 am
Posted by DLBalla
Member since Jul 2018
219 posts
Posted on 2/27/23 at 2:50 am to
Edited out the "#4 pick" scenario part. Replace that with 'unknown '23 1st' and maybe that seems more reasonable.

More of a trade target wish list with somewhat realistic offers it would take for the other team to consider trading their good player.
This post was edited on 2/27/23 at 2:51 am
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