Pelicans News: Ex-NBA Champion Could Boost Zion Williamson & Co’s Playoff Campaign as $15 Million Conundrum Bares Silver Lining

With the 2023-24 NBA season concluding less than a week ago, the franchises are now looking to make the best use of the off-season period. With Draft Week approaching, this is the most optimal time for changes that teams must make vis-à-vis their existing roster. For the New Orleans Pelicans, who only managed to reach the first round of the playoffs before getting eliminated, acquiring a 2021 NBA champion can help boost their chances further during the next season.

A few hours ago, NBA reporter Jake Madison touched base on the recent trade rumors revolving around the Pelicans. During the same, he revealed that Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez may end up being a part of a future trade deal that his franchise would choose to engage in.

Madison credited Lopez’s performance during the past six years with the Bucks, during which he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First & Second Team, finished as the runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year title last year, and won a championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and co. His defensive capabilities would make him a fine match for the franchise when teamed up with the likes of Zion Williamson. Unfortunately, the center also comes with a liability, making the Bucks too keen to trade him off.

“He’s older at age 36, and the defense has definitely fallen off this past season,” said Madison. “He’s also owed $23 million this coming season……. the Pelicans don’t have anyone making that kind of money”. Since Zion Willamson and Brandon Ingram are set to make over $36 million next year, the Pelicans may not acquire Lopez without surpassing the salary cap. Fortunately, there may be a silver lining that the franchise can manage.

With his contract recently concluded, Pelicans’ center Jonas Valanciunas entered free agency. According to a recent article by ‘Sportrac’, if Valanciunas chooses to return, he may reportedly receive only a short-term deal for a maximum of two years. Furthermore, he won’t be granted more than $15 million per season. If Valanciunas does not choose to return, then the Pelicans can use the amount to bring in Lopez. If he does, then the Pelicans can try again after two years. Either way, they can decide to bring in the 2021 NBA champion if they want to.

“I like the idea of Brook Lopez, and because he’s aging, and because of that salary” Madison added. “I think you could easily then, you know, try and go and get him for cheap”.

Will Zion Williamson and Co trade away Brandon Ingram in exchange for Brook Lopez?

Brook Lopez isn’t the only player who is expected to be on the chopping block for a trade this offseason. According to Forbes Sports reporter Evan Sidery, Pelicans small forward Brandon Ingram is also set to be associated with a different team next season. With just one season remaining in his current contract, the player will be eligible for a four-year, $208 million extension that the Pelicans reportedly cannot afford. While this would break the lead-scoring duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, it would allow a path for Brook Lopez to come in.

“Maybe, you know, a Brandon Ingram trade does return Brook Lopez to New Orleans with something going to Milwaukee from another team” Madison added. “It’s really hard to figure out those three-four team, five team type of trades, so I think that’s something that New Orleans should look at, even if it’s a stop gap for one year”.

Ingram’s absence would create a gap, given that he was the team’s second-highest average scorer during the recent season. However, Lopez can make up for it with his three-point shooting and remarkable rim protection. He will be most dominant on the defensive side, protecting the rim behind Zion Williamson while looking to space the floor on the opposite end.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.