Reports last week indicated that the Pelicans were scouring the market for a center, dangling their 2018 first-round pick in trade talks. At the time, Brook Lopez was identified as one potential target for New Orleans, and now, Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders has some specific details on the sort of package the Pelicans and Nets were discussing.
According to Scotto, the two teams have talked about a trade that would send Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, Tim Frazier, and a 2018 protected first-round pick to Brooklyn in exchange for Lopez.
Such a trade package would likely pique the Nets’ interest, since it includes two young guards on reasonable deals, a sizable expiring contract (Evans’), and a future first-round pick to replace the Nets’ own 2018 selection.
Still, the Nets have long been said to be seeking multiple first-round picks in any Lopez deal, and ESPN’s Marc Stein reported on Sunday that the team’s asking price hadn’t changed. The Pelicans’ proposal includes just one first-rounder, and depending on how heavily it’s protected, it’s possible it wouldn’t be a lottery selection.
While the Nets are willing to discuss deals involving Lopez, multiple reports have downplayed the team’s interest in making a deal during the season. The veteran center remains under contract through 2017/18, so Brooklyn appears willing to revisit trade discussions during the offseason if the team doesn’t receive an offer it likes this month.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, are believed to be engaged in talks with the Sixers involving Jahlil Okafor. New Orleans probably has a few more irons in the fire around the NBA as well, as the team looks for a big man to pair with Anthony Davis in the frontcourt.
Nets should at least get Hield. With this proposal, the landscape of the franchise doesn’t change too much and they are giving up their most valuable piece.
Brook and Davis would be a crazy combo
I been saying the same thing. Add in Holiday and the way he’s been playing, smh, yes, very scary my man. Even more dangerous than Gasol and Randolph in Memphis, yikes.
I think the most important thing to take from this rumor is that New Orleans is not planning on being outbid for Jrue Holiday this summer.
I understand the Pelicans wanting the best deal possible. But they’d be kind of set with Jrue Holiday, Buddy Hield, Solomon Hill, Anthony Davis and Brook Lopez.
Terrance Jones and D-Mo were good pickups as well.
Trade Frazier or Galloway for second round picks or small forward help.
As good as this draft is, there’s no center in it worth a high lottery pick, and the guards and wings and point guards are good but not projected all stars.
The guards and wings in the 2017 draft are most definitely projected to be all stars if not super stars. Fultz, Ball, Jackson, Smith Jr., and Tatum all have all star potential.
If ur gonna go for a non rebounding non defensive offensive center. Go with jahil and his youth and upside
Lopez is only 28, that’s not old and he can ball on both sides of the floor. He also won’t clog the lane. This combo is scary! The only piece left to go after would be a nice SF to add to the mix. I would like this oick up.
If NO has a shot at not making the playoffs, not sure where they are, regroup in the offseason with Lopez and draft Tatum to be your SF.