re: Pelicans are not expected to offer BI extension this offseason, moving in new direction

Just spitballing here.

BI to Detroit for Stewart and their pick (2 or 3 most likely)

We get a 20 million TPE and keep 21. Take Topic or Sheppard with Detroit pick and get the guard of the future.

Now, where it gets interesting is seeing what Minnesota will do. They are currently in the 2nd apron and likely won’t look to stay there. Their only salary besides Ant,KAT or Gobert that would be feasible to move and keep them under that 2nd apron after filling out the roster would be Naz Reid. IF the courts force the sale through of the Wolves, Lore and Arod already released a no tax mandate so they would have to likely move Reid and Conley then.

Flip 21 to Minny for Reid and take him back into the TPE. Send them Dyson also if they demand him.

Topic/CJ/Jose
Herb/Hawk/Naji
Trey/Dyson/Matt
Zion/Nance/EJ
Stewart/Reid/FA

That would also allow us to move Nance back to his natural 4 position and likely take alot of wear and tear off him.

After this trade we also have a comfortable 26 million under the tax, around 18-17 million after signing draft pick. That would allow Naji back on an 8 million a year deal, and still leave us plenty room to make a lopsided trade later in the year if we choose