Construct a realistic playoff team under the following criteria.

It's pretty hard to do unless Zion/Ingram rise up and drag us there. The biggest missing ingredient is a lead guard. Trading Jrue makes that an even bigger need.

Drafting seems to be the best way to fill that spot, someone like Lewis at 13 or Hayes at 7/8 if you can trade Lonzo for a 1st and Hayes falls that far. But how many rookies are lead guards on playoff teams?

One alteration I would make to your scenario is allowing Brooklyn.

JJ for Joe Harris S&T and 2nds is the JJ trade I think I like most. A S&T doesn't seem like a ton of vlaue, but Harris gives you a longer term JJ replacement which seems like a better piece than a lot of the other things I've seen.

I don’t think Philly can take on jjs contract. How would they match it in a trade?

Do we really gave great draft capital? We have 6 1st rounders over the next 4 years. The two extra picks are from the Lakers which will be out of the lottery. We have extra 2nds, but you can basically buy those. Just for reference, the Celtics have 3 1sts this year, including the 14th pick, one behind us. That is capital. Those 2nds aren't jumping us back into the 1st..

That was the only way I found or like a 4 player deal which I doubt y’all would wanna cut any players

Yeah, I can't see Philly trade their starting SG for a 6th/7th man in JJ, and without Richardson you get an assortment of lesser assets back from Philly. The Pels may not be in Win Now mode, but I don't think they'd trade a vocal leader and key rotation player for a grab bag of C or D assets.

I think JJ to Philly won't happen.

Well, Ive voiced my offseason wishes elsewhere but under the criteria established in this thread.. Here goes...

Jrue + trade: N.O. receives MPJ, Jerami Grant (re-sign + trade) and Monte Morris.

JJ Redick + Nicoli Melli trade: N.O. receives Jason Richardson, Zhaire Smith and Mike Scott

13th pick: Target options
Aaron Nesmith, SG/SF, Vanderbilt
Saddiq Bey, SF/PF Villanova

39th pick: Grant Riller, PG, Coastal Carolina

Trade 43 and 60th pick to San Antonio for 41st pick:
Paul Reed, PF, Depaul

MLE free agent signing: Harry Giles, Center, from Sacramento

Renounce rights/Not resign to the following:
Derrick Favors
Darius Miller
Etuan Moore
Kendrick Williams
Frank Jackson
Sindarius Thornwell
Jalil Okafor
Josh Gray
Z. Cheatham


2021 New Orleans Pelicans Roster:
PG: Lonzo Ball
SG: Jason Richardson
SF: Brandon Ingram
PF: Zion Williamson
C: Jaxson Hayes

Bench:
PG: Monte Morris, NAW, G. Riller
SG: Josh Hart, Zhaire Smith
SF: Michael Porter Jr., Saddiq Bey.
or Aaron Nesmith
PF: Jeramie Grant, Mike Scott
C: Harry Giles, Paul Reed

*Riller gets a real chance to make team in camp, which I think he beats out NAW (what a diff a year makes) or move Morris in another trade bc I think Riller will be a legit 2nd round steal. Also, Reed gets chance as well but may end up with a 2-Way contract.

Death lineup: Lonzo, Ingram, MPJ, Grant, Zion. If Ingram can handle defensive duties at 2 guard and rebounding is not an issue against a particular team, this may be your most potent/closing lineup.

Harry Giles has had injuries, Richaun Holmes emergence + dysfunction of playing in Sacramento which lead to inconsistent minutes. But, Giles, who is only 22 yrs old, when healthy and Holmes/Bagley out, he played very well, with his passing prowess from the post and T, being rather exceptional for a big. Good shooting mechanics to develop 3 pt shot, solid rebounder and has good instincts for shot blocking. Had some foul trouble issues on defense when coming off of missed, rookie year and rust, but end of season/bubble, he actually appeared to legitimately anchor the D when playing.

His PER 36, which some people hate to utilize as a true indicator of what a player's production would actually amount to is, Giles averaged 17.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on 62.4 percent from the field and 77 percent on FT's.

It certainly wouldnt take all of the MLE to secure him and we offer him a real opportunity to possibly start and/or earn consistent playing time.


Outlook: As constructed, this team is versatile and very deep. Lineup combinations are a plenty and should all be effective. Porter and Grant are obviously starting caliber players and backup PG has serious competition with Morris, NAW, Riller. Not to mention having Bey or (Nesmith), Z. Smith and Mike Scott who are quality rotation/trade package pieces. Center position would be the only question on this team, but collectively the bigs should be able to outperform what Favors brought to the table. If not, a trade for Myles Turner wouldnt be hard to accomplish if necessary.

This is Top 4 seed team in the West and more than capable of winning the W.C. and Finals. All done without parting with significant future assests and allows financial flexibility moving forward.

Griff, your welcome and I need a handsome check for my advisory consultant expertise or a front office role with the expectation of future GM in the cards. I await your call.

quote:

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Jrue + trade: N.O. receives MPJ, Jerami Grant (re-sign + trade) and Monte Morris.

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Not a legal trade.

Wow I just posted about a 3 way Simmons trade and this seems reasonable from every aspect except Denver either gives up to much or doesn’t get enough back. They give up backup pg Morris starting sg Gary Harris and young potential in MPJ. Hard to fill 3 guys minutes with just one player but I think it’s very close to being absolutely possible.. good job man

I’d change one thing, I’d find a way to package a pick and horford for NOLAs favorite buddy hield. Y’all have the assets to get that contract off the books if you trade for horford. I’d imagine some shooting and not always playing Ingram at the 2 would help way more then horford

Neither are great trade partners for the Pelicans for those specific players