re: JJ Comments on ESPN about BI, Zion, and potential trade chatter

LINK

A source tells Marc Stein that the Pelicans would consider trading Williamson if it meant they could draft Henderson. The position could mean the Pelicans are broadly at the point where Williamson is no longer untouchable. Williamson has dealt with injury issues throughout his career that could be traced to a lack of commitment to his conditioning. Williamson is entering Year 1 of a five-year, $194.3 million extension.

Stein adds that the Pelicans appear to be "less inclined to consider trading Brandon Ingram" in a deal for Henderson.

I hate the wording. It really says nothing. The Pelicans "considers" trading Zion but nothing definitive especially with them trying to trade for the #2 pick. Either they are going to include him in there or they won't. These snippets are dumb as hell.

I mean Stein is literally saying pelicans considering trading Zion. Is that not news when most have said pelicans wouldnt even consider it. Stein is pretty legit too. I don’t understand thus blatant denial that we may consider trading him. Why does that seem so far fetched?

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His source is "a well placed observer"

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So not even someone within the organization

Could even be another journalist

Stein is pretty legit reporter but go ahead discredit him too because you don’t want to believe it. I swear man the denial by some people on this board that long standing legit NBA reporters are just making shite up is just ridiculous.

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I think that's probably true for Portland because they want a significant player who can help Dame now.

Charlotte is probably the only realistic path without giving up Zion or BI. They can have a choice of a young player and multiple first round picks(3) with low to no protection. It depends on how much Charlotte likes Brandon Miller and how much they want to get out of the pick. I personally don't think there will be a better deal on the table. Either they seriously consider our offer or they pick #2.

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You don't think Utah or OKC could easily trump any offer we can make that involves draft picks?

They could. But would they? I think both teams are comfortable where they are. I can see OKC moving up but not for Scoot with Shai, Williams, and Giddy on that roster. Ainge isn't the type to trade his warchest for a rookie.

Stein also works for Bally's so I'm sure he has Pels connections too. I trust his credentials. However, we are still in the posturing phase of leaks so you have to ask, who benefits the most from this information? The Pels don't benefit from this information leaking unless they are trying to send a message to Zion. The team that benefits from this information is Charlotte.

If we were actively engaged with Charlotte and trying to get the price down, there would be leaks that the Pels like Miller too and have been in heavy talks with Portland. Or the Pels would never consider parting with Ingram or Zion. That's how these things go. This still being a one sided leak suggests that there aren't active trade talks between the Pels and Hornets.

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It's hard to make a case when i find the team chemistry questions fascinating of how zion really meshes with everyone off court/lockerroom/ even on court a bit.

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Who are Zions guys on the team?

Ingram is tight with Jose, Naji, Herb, and Trey.
Willie seems close with those guys.
It is obviously not CJ.
Jonas?

I’d guess it’s Hayes as they were rooks together.

But when you play 29 games in two years it’s hard to put that together.

I agree with you on that. This isnt something Pels wanting to leak. Whether its true or not who knows but I am under the assumption making a play for number 2 pick you would need to include Zion. Also its interesting how he says Pels dont want to include BI- I feel thats something that definitely benefits the pels- maybe Griffin leaked that to ease BIs concerns of him getting traded.