RealGM

Hornets trade: LaMelo
Pelicans trade: Ingram/1st Rd pick

Obviously this a risk for both sides, but Charlotte does it because they are about to enter the supermax contract years for a talented but injury prone pg in LaMelo. This trade gives them a option to see how they like a Miller/Ingram pairing on the wing. They also could take a pg to replace Melo. So a guy like Topic could be drafted to replace Melo. Then they also get a chance to add another starter with the Pelicans 1st rd pick. If they don't like the Ingram fit with Miller they can simply let him walk and clear a lot of cap.

Pelicans do it because they desperately need a pg and they already have a good pair of wings with Murphy and Herb. This would be a huge gamble because there 2 best players LaMelo/Zion are both injury prone. The fit however may be worth that risk. Those 2 in the fastbreak would be a wet dream and they fit better as a duo then Zion/Ingram.


Is this a fair trade for both teams?

Interesting framework, especially if Hornets really like Topic as new Pg of the future. But Pels don't have a lottery pick. They have the Bucks' pick at #21 (swap with NOP pick), and they will be deferring the Lakers' pick to have their 2025 LAL 1st unprotected.

hard no from Charlotte. if the Hornets are willing to take it, the Pelicans should also run far away from this because it means Melo is actually toast.

HornetJail wrote:hard no from Charlotte. if the Hornets are willing to take it, the Pelicans should also run far away from this because it means Melo is actually toast.

Ingram is also injury prone just not as much as Melo.

Seems like a fair swap considering Melo is a much better fit with Zion.

JustBuzzin wrote:Hornets trade: LaMelo
Pelicans trade: Ingram/1st Rd pick

Obviously this a risk for both sides, but Charlotte does it because they are about to enter the supermax contract years for a talented but injury prone pg in LaMelo. This trade gives them a option to see how they like a Miller/Ingram pairing on the wing. They also could take a pg to replace Melo. So a guy like Topic could be drafted to replace Melo. Then they also get a chance to add another starter with the Pelicans 1st rd pick. If they don't like the Ingram fit with Miller they can simply let him walk and clear a lot of cap.

Pelicans do it because they desperately need a pg and they already have a good pair of wings with Murphy and Herb. This would be a huge gamble because there 2 best players LaMelo/Zion are both injury prone. The fit however may be worth that risk. Those 2 in the fastbreak would be a wet dream and they fit better as a duo then Zion/Ingram.


Is this a fair trade for both teams?

Lamelo's on a 25% max, not a 35% supermax.

Ingram being expiring I have Melo > Ingram. Despite Melo injury history. Pels would need to add more, starting with Daniels.

I don't like it for either team.
If LaMelo is healthy he has more value than this but he has played 58 games in the last two years. If I am NOLA I can’t take a chance on a player that is so fragile.