Is there any realistic trade/move that saves the AD Era in New Orleans?

I can't think of one.

I feel like at 15-20 we've even burned the John Wall route, though I guess that window closed anyway when they got Ariza?

You have to start at the end and work backwards.

What would AD need to have seen on May 25th to tell his people that he would prefer to stay?

I think the Pels would have had to finish the season winning at least 20-22 of its last 30 games. I think he would have actually had to have fun and enjoyed his teammates. And I think the core guys that led to the winning need to be locked up and/or told AD they are returning so he knows its sustainable.

With that said, I think the other guys that are realistic are Beal or Wall. I don't see any other guys who can be stars, and are locked up long term and who AD would enjoy playing with being available. Those two are the only chance IMO.

Even if Payton and Mirotic come back and you have a run similar to last year, AD would know thats not sustainable success. You have to get another star.

Only big name player I can think of that’s available is John Wall, but I dont want to be stuck with that contract when AD still bounces.

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With that said, I think the other guys that are realistic are Beal or Wall.

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Do you know whether the Pels management feels they have any realistic chance of getting Beal from the Wizards?

A trade for Beal could tip the scales, and Payton coming back would have to make a big difference.
Niko would have to go out, and probably Moore, and we’d have to take back someone like Mahinmi or find someone else to take him to get Beal.
I’d feel good about a team with Jrue/Beal/Randle and whatever haul we get for AD.

And if they acquire either Beal or Wall and go on a run And Davis still doesn’t commit, then my guess would be that Pels tell him to give them until next February to prove to him they can win or they will trade him.

Randle is like Cousins. Big time stats but doesn’t really affect winning. Only cares about how many points show up next to his name on the box score.

Wizards are like 1-3 post-Ariza. And our 1st is more valuable today than it was two weeks ago. If a deal for Wall was on the table then, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be now.

If we can't get Beal or Wall then I go with:

Bazemore, Dedmon and Bembry for Hill, Johnson, Clark, Diallo, Okafor and Pels 1st.

That team is good/deep enough to make top 6 in the west.

Payton/Frazier
Holiday/Moore/Jackson
Bazemore/Bembry/Willams
Davis/Mirotic/Miller
Dedmon/Randle

Add another shooter/creator from the buy out market.

I just think this team with depth and average defence can be good.

Dedmon fixes the defence (rim protection) and isnt a black hole on offence. It also allows Davis to play PF. Bazemore helps with both defense and adds another ball handler.