The Pelicans, who have been described as trade deadline buyers, are making an effort to fortify their core, Marc Stein reports at Substack.com. In addition to Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, New Orleans views Jonas Valanciunas and Herbert Jones as part of that core, according to Stein, so those players appear to be off limits in trade talks.
While the Pelicans are apparently unwilling to move Valanciunas or Jones, they do have other players who would appeal to trade partners. Most notably, Stein suggests that forward Josh Hart, who is in the midst of a career year, could be on the move this week. Multiple previous reports have indicated Hart may be a trade candidate.
Here are a few more trade rumors from around the NBA:
- The Bulls made an offer for center Jakob Poeltl that was centered around a first-round pick, but they were rebuffed by the Spurs, according to Stein. Chicago has already traded away two of its own future first-round selections – including one to San Antonio – so the pick in the offer for Poeltl may have been Portland’s 2022 first-rounder, which is top-14 protected and appears unlikely to convey this year.
- In his preview of the Pistons‘ trade-deadline week, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic says the Wizards, Kings, and Trail Blazers are the teams that have exhibited the most interest in Jerami Grant. Sources tell Edwards that the Nets have also “poked around,” but are a longer shot to acquire the forward.
- Within his look at the James Harden and Ben Simmons situations, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reports that the Nets have been looking for more shooting on the wing. That makes sense, given that Joe Harris‘ status for the second half and postseason remains up in the air. O’Connor also echoes some of the same points made in a series of other Harden/Simmons reports this morning, including reiterating that the Sixers aren’t willing to entertain trading Tyrese Maxey this week.
Hopefully the Raps get Poetl with their FRP & Flynn.
How is that offer better than the Bulls offer?
The Raptors have a real FRP to offer, likely just outside the lottery. CHI FRP via Portland has no chance of conveying.
The potential trump card Bulls have is they could relax the protections on the 2025 FRP they already owe spurs, but they’d probably still have to send over that meh POR pick too.
But TOR pick in the high teens/low 20s isn’t something to write home about either tbh. Will be about what player goes back along with, or additional draft assets like example of CHI protections above
They should trade Zion lol they could get alot of assets and a team can take a chance on him coming back
Spurs aren’t trading Poetl unless they get an incredible offer. He is in their future plans. Still mid-20’s.
Spurs are in asset accumulation mode, they need to tank and aquire as many FRP as they can.
Poeltl is probably not part of the Spurs next competitive window.
Obviously they need to get fair value to make a deal, just not sure what that is.
Popovich and The Spurs don’t tank and their best players are in the 24-28 year old range. If they make a trade before the deadline which they rarely do it will be for an upgrade. Like Young, White and their own picks. They aren’t that far from being competitive again.
Not that far? They need to tank so they can draft a star like Tim Duncan, otherwise they will be mediocre for ever
The Spurs can draft a star anywhere in the draft. Kawhi was 15th, Ginobli was 57th and Parker was 28th.
No, this is the time to move Jakob. Next year will be the last year of his deal, and teams will either low ball spurs or wait to pay him the following summer. Also, Spurs will likely not want to give him a big pay day when he enter free agency in summer of 2023.
Me thinks they’re destined to go different directions sooner rather than later, best to sell high…
Where’s all this inside knowledge coming from? The Spurs M.O. has been the same for 20 years. have never showed away from paying a player what their worth. Why would you trade a guy who is a perfect fit with the timeline of your best player? The Spurs have the assets in 1 Rd picks , prospects and useful vets to go star hunting if someone shakes lose or just keep drafting guys and developing them as usual.
No star will ever go to San Antonio, it’s not miami, La or ny
When LaMarcus Aldridge signed with the Spurs he was a 4 time all-star besides the star doesn’t really have a choice if he’s traded for picks and prospects.
It’s a new day for SAS. Sure it’s something they haven’t had to do in 20 years, but here we are and I think it’s clearly something internalized by the team. There is a reason they’re listening to offers on Jakob and White, even if they don’t ultimately move on them at this deadline.
Everybody listens to offers.
“clearly something internalized” is more funny than clear. It is your job to back up a claim of change and it just is not there. People who like saying it is due for Popovich to do this or that always turn out wrong. You have no sources.
No he will not tank or quit or hire Becky. He did start a rookie lately (Vassell) so there’s that.
Peoltl is hardly old, and is a big besides.
I wouldn’t be so sure about the Spurs not wanting to pay him. With FA getting weaker each year and the Spurs not being a FA destination, it would make sense for them to keep who they can.
Jonas is basically 30 lol how does he fit the Pels timeline? David Griffin at it again.
When Zion returns to the floor and if he’s capable of playing at the level he played at at the end of last season along with Ingram’s level of play at 24 years old. The Pelicans will be in win now mode.
Ifs and whens, I doubt Williamson be will be an all star imho
#FreeBenSimmons
Lakers: Heild, Graham and Thompson
Kings: Hart, THT and Hayes
Pelicans: Russ, Bazemore, 1st (Lakers) and 1st (kings)
Pelicans maintain their core of Ingram, Zion, Big V and Jones plus get to Russ and two first round picks. Helps them now and in the future.
They probably line up Russ Temple Ingram Zion V and a bench of Alvarado/Lewis Jr NAW Murphy/Bazemore Jones Hernagomez. Looks great for trying to be competitive now and building for the future.
Lakers get to reload before the playoffs with some fresh talent. They line up
Graham Monk Bron AD Thompson and bench of Bradley/Nunn Heild Ariza Melo Howard.
Some shooters and secondary ball handlers is exactly what they need.
Kings get rid of Heilds bad deal and in return get back Hart and THT, two SGs with upside that could be great fits long term. They also swap Thompson for Hayes and only have to give up a first.