re: Pelicans offseason thread: Pels hire SVG/draft Kira Lewis, trade rest of picks

I've never been much of a Jamal Murray fan, but I wonder if the emergence of Michael Porter Jr. makes Murray available in a Jrue trade now?

I think GS will come after Jrue also..

They will be pushing for another title next season

MPJ adds a new source of scoring for Denver that may make a Murray for Jrue swap easier to swallow. Per 36 minutes he's averaging 20.5 points on 15.3 shots. Jokic is at 22.5/16.6, Murray 20.6/17. If MPJ can stay healthy and play starters minutes, turning Murray + future assets into Jrue with his all NBA defense and 19.8 points on 17.1 shots probably makes them much better. Again, I'm not really a fan of Murray, but I think MPJ changes how attached Denver is to Murray in a Jrue trade.

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If Golden State gets a pick in that 1-5 range I can see them willing to trade it for a established vet like Jrue. Maybe their not in love with any of the top guys and look for a vet to help them compete.

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Wut

Their 1st and Wiggins is what I was thinking..

I would then try to find someone like the Knicks that would take on Wiggins (theres multiple teams with cap space i think would take him), it would open up a boatload of cap space for us to make a lopsided trade/sign a higher priced FA.

I think we could swing something like:

Pels: Elfrid Payton/Ntlikina, Knicks 1st, 2023 Knicks 1st

Warriors: Jrue

Knicks: Wiggins, Warriors 1st

Gives us Payton/Ntilikina to run the 2nd team, a high draft pick, and future 1st, while opening up cap space to sign some guys

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Pelicans get all that just from jrue??? pshhh

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well it’s more us giving Jrue for Wiggins and a GSW first and then using that to do a trade with a Knicks for their picks and swapping picks this draft while getting a future first from them. It’s plausible. Depends where the Knicks land as well.


Oh wait Just saw soggy described it already lol my bad.

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I'm sure we could fetch more than that for Jrue once multiple teams start bidding..

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exactly win now teams are gonna want him for next season. He’s so highly regarded in this league by everyone. These trade ideas are realistic. At least when it comes to the main ingredients for said trades. This draft being weak might be a blessing in disguise


Plus I think teams know with Jrues style of play, he’s capable of playing at a high level through another contract.

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Half the people look at Jrue as an average offensive player and value him at that. Teams will look at his defensive status and being a top 25 player.

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and that’s why a team like the warriors would be a great spot for him and why they’d be willing to give up their pick and Wiggins for Jrue. He’s a perfect fit for that lineup. Hopefully Griff lurks TD

Think the first thing to figure out is how do you want to play with Zion?

To me it's clear he'll be primarily an inside post guy for the next few years.

The last thing you need offensively then is a traditional low post big crowding his space around the basket.

Priority #1 for Pels should be an athletic stretch 4 who can guard the rim, allowing Zion to play small ball center on offense and guard a forward on defense. We had a prospect who fit this bill (Wood) but chose to let him walk. Maybe we can get him back.

Priorities 2 and 3 should be a long wing who can defend and a long wing who can shoot to back up Ingram and play with him in certain line ups.

Priority 4 is a veteran back up PG. I like NAWs potential, but as a two-guard who can play make next to a veteran PG, much like his cousin plays for the Thunder.

On draft, I think you still need to go best player. Cole Anthony may be there and even though he isn't a high need, he's a potential star in the middle of the first round. A good defensive wing or good shooting wing should also be there. We could use either.