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The Pelicans resident superstar has remained adamant about his intentions of leaving so let’s assess the best offers out there!
A frontcourt pairing of Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson should be seen as the future of the NBA. It shares remnants of the 1997 draft when then 31-year old David Robinson was given second life with the lottery score of Wake University big man Tim Duncan, providing David Stern and the rest of the NBA with the most devastating 4-5 tandem in the league.
Unfortunately for Pelicans’ fans, the Brow doesn’t see it that way. According to a report from Shams Charania, he still wants out.
So, on we forge! It’s up to executive vice president of basketball operations, David Griffin, to score a deal that will both coincide with 28-year-old Jrue Holiday and 18-year-old Zion Williamson’s like-mindedness.
A combination of elite, young prospects coupled with savvy veterans is precisely what the doctor has ordered for the Pelicans. And we’ll work together to weigh the best possible scenarios for the former MVP and DPOY finalist.
Chicago
If the Pelicans decide to continue forward with a youth movement, they’d do worse than two top-ten picks as well as flyers on Brandon Ingram (health concern) and Josh Hart. The Lakers keep their picks beyond this season, which should appease them, and retain Kyle Kuzma to pair with AD and LeBron. This move also opens the door to adding another free agent addition such as Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker.
This has grown into my favorite package (gasp!) as it gives the Pelicans a variety of options and long-term cost controlled contracts to grow alongside Zion; however, it entirely hinges on Rajon Rondo agreeing to a sign-and-trade and coming back to New Orleans. If the Lakers, Pelicans and he could reach an agreement though, some version of Jarrett Culver and De’Andre Hunter or Darius Garland would pair nicely alongside Jrue Holiday and Zion.
The Lakers are downright desperate to get their star and end up giving up less than they would have just three months ago. This has to be considered a victory for them after the long term health concerns to Ingram as well as Ball’s own injury risks (missed 30 games in each of first two seasons).
For Chicago, it makes sense after falling out of the top-3. The Chicago Sun Times reported just one month ago that if Chicago fell out of those three spots they’d be interested in a swap for the former number two pick.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report has picks four through eleven ranked evenly and it appears the Bulls have Lonzo ranked a bit higher. So, let’s get a deal done!
Denver
Malik Beasley and Monte Morris are two young players who could grow into valuable members of an eight-man core going forward. Neither is considered to be a blue-chipper, but each would space the floor well for Zion (each shoot 40% from three). Nothing wrong with a 3-D wing and backup point guard, who can manage the offense from off the bench.
With Denver picking up his team option for next season, Millsap would be the steady veteran to mentor young Zion and start alongside him during his rookie season. Michael Porter Jr. is the wild card and the Pelicans get an unprotected pick in 2021 to go along with this solid coup — provided Porter Jr. gets back on the McDonald’s All American track following his back issues.
Denver would add Anthony Davis to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, creating one of the youngest and most promising threesomes in the NBA. While the Pelicans deplete them of some depth, they had plenty to spare and can continue forward with Will Barton and Gary Harris, and Trey Lyles in tow.
So, how did I do?
We’ll be back with potential deals from the Lakers, Knicks, Celtics and Clippers, but from this edition, I believe the Pelicans front office would prefer the Lakers deal. Two top-ten players in addition to Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart seems like a slam dunk for a superstar destined to remain a distraction and negatively affect the new face of the franchise.
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