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https://fanspo.com/nba/s/pelicans/trades/C7ZpxoB5XDzdCJ/shams-says

Preface: Zion trade is unlikely until the offseason, but here's a fun idea for a deadline one. I see Hornets as a top potentially interested team for Zion, to capitalize on Lamelo and Miller's ascension and make a fun, exciting young team to the fans, at a realitively low asset-acquiring cost. Sure, fans and posters will balk at this value, with Zion's risks of injury and effort maturity question marks. And with their pick lotto protected, it makes more sense for them to reassess a move like this in the offseason. But in this scenario, they pounce at the chance, making a competitive offer to get GM Griffin to take for a franchise reset- while Hornets are able to keep their own picks going forward.

The key is finding a team for Bridges, since Pels don't want him and Hornets could keep their cap sheet clean by just putting Zion in the Bridges salary slot. Lakers need a talent upgrade but don't want to mortgage their future for it. Bridges has the Klutch connection:

LAL trades: Rui, Vincent, Christie, two 2nds
LAL gets: Bridges, Richards, Jevonte Green
--
CHA trades: Bridges, Richards, Salaun, '27 DAL 1st, '27 MIA 1st, a 2nd ('25 NOP)
CHA gets: Zion, Vincent, Theis
--
NOP trades: Zion, Theis, Jevonte Green
NOP gets: Rui, Christie, Salaun, '27 DAL 1st, '27 MIA 1st, three 2nds ('25 LAL, LAC, NOP)
--

Hornets buy low on big potential and fireworks with a Ball, Miller, Zion and Mark Williams young core. Ball and Miller's spacing and playmaking theoretically mesh well with Z's game. Vincent gives them a veteran guard defender who can become a trade chip expiring next season.

Lakers buy low on talent, upgrading their frontcourt positions. Bridges is a talent upgrade for Rui, and Richards brings solid backup Center play they need. Jevonte Green gives them a cheap, hustle POA defender option. Leaves room for other potential moves with DLo and/or Vanderbilt contracts.

Pelicans reset their franchise culture by turning the page on the Z experience, getting a few high variance picks with a few young players and future cap savings.

Mark/ Diabase/ Gibson/ Theis
Zion/ (GrantW)
Miller/ Martin
Green/ Vincent
Ball/ Micic

Davis/ Richards/ Hayes
James/ Vanderbilt
Bridges/ Jevonte
Reaves/ Reddish
DLo /

Missi/ JRE
Rui/ Salaun
Murphy/ Boston
Herb/ Hawkins/ Christie
Murray/ Jose

(Ingram, McCullom)

This is way too much for Zion. It’s bad enough that we are giving up all that draft capital and a rookie for Zion but then we are also financing the Lakers doing a straight roster upgrade just for them to throw in Hachimura and some 2nds. Take out Salaun, take out a Hornets first, change the Lakers 2 2nds to a 1st and maybe you have something there for everyone

I think this is closer to Zion’s value than most the threads we see here.

And CLT does make sense as a team that should take a shot. Still have Martin, Micic contracts to go looking for a low usage guard

But my offer would be Grant, Green, Salaun and the two firsts. Keep Bridges as an expensive third forward that starts all of the games Zion misses. Not sure what value he really has anyways, so keep him on the team that stuck with him for another year.

If NOP is actually fully bottoming out, the MLE sized deals won’t hurt them.

I do think Zion is the best example of the type of swing Charlotte should make. Even if he's injured most of this season, they're stealth tanking anyway plus won't have any front court depth without Miles or Salaun and Grant out for the year. I mean, might need a warm body at F to come back somehow if we're sending both our remaining F's out but it shouldn't kill the deal. Lakers definitely seem like they're underpaying a bit here and the deal is probably easier to accomplish without them.

LA just seems to be here to get Bridges (and Richards) without offering anything of value in return.

Charlotte has plenty of movable filler so there's really no need for LA to be involved.

gswhoops wrote:LA just seems to be here to get Bridges (and Richards) without offering anything of value in return.

Charlotte has plenty of movable filler so there's really no need for LA to be involved.

Bingo.

Two 1sts and filler. Lakers irrelevant here.

I'd be more interested in Reaves than Zion though, if the cost is similar.

Then the Lakers can do what they need to do to acquire Zion using the 2 first round picks plus Hachimura and whatever.

gswhoops wrote:LA just seems to be here to get Bridges (and Richards) without offering anything of value in return.

Charlotte has plenty of movable filler so there's really no need for LA to be involved.

If Lakers want Bridges and Richards on return, they have to pony up picks. The players they offer have been shopped more than any other players this year.

Just as well cut LAL out.

Lakers say no thank you. Richards nice but don’t see adding a sub par volume scorer with character issues solving any issues.

LA, as usual here, stealing value...Bridges is worth more than 2 srps. I think the price for Zion is fair, but CHA should keep one of theirs and LAL should send one to NOLA

Charlotte definitely are a team that should take a shot on Zion. Take out one of those 1st and we have a deal.

Guess Bridges has more percieved value to Hornets fans than I thought. Guess the *case stains his trade value in the mind of many. Thought upgrading from Miles to Zion would be appealing.

Totally understand fans to not want to give up that much; I approached it from the mindset of the minimum return it would take to trade Z by the deadline. But yea, the likely scenario is Pels keeping him this season, trying to play him and rehab his value up a bit, then revisit offers in the offseason.

The real final kick in the nuts here is not just giving up one more first than we should but also having to take back Gabe Vincent's contract!

The Lakers have no business in this trade - NO and Charlotte can make this work if need be without LA.

I suspect that the Lakers are in this trade because the Pelicans would take Rui, but not Miles. The value is off. Vincent's inclusion could be a deal breaker (should be DLo). The Hornets are overpaying for Zion, but the Pelicans aren't going to want to take back Miles or Grant Williams so the Lakers inclusion helps get it done.

luciano-davidwesley wrote:The real final kick in the nuts here is not just giving up one more first than we should but also having to take back Gabe Vincent's contract!

The Lakers have no business in this trade - NO and Charlotte can make this work if need be without LA.

So seeing this a lot. I guess Hornets fan would want to keep Bridges' 3 year contract on the roster along with Ball and Zion's max deals, (along with injured Grant Williams'salary) with Miller and Mark Williams as the other keepers. Figured clearing out Bridges' deal would create more financial flexibility to round out the roster.

Unless you think any other team would give up value for Miles Bridges? Do you see any team trading for that player and giving up value?

Upon request, here is the amended trade directly with Pelicans and Hornets. Keep in mind, injured Grant Williams' salary would require a 1st alone for a team to take on his deal, so he is left out of this.

Hornets trade:
Josh Green
Salaun
Micic
Martin
'27 DAL 1st
'27 MIA 1st
'25 NOP 2nd

Hornets recieve:
Zion
JRE
Jevonte Green

I get that fans still won't want to take the risk on Zion, but think this is a reasonable offer that could get Pels/Griffin to consider ending the Z experience early at the deadline. Anything less probably doesnt get considered. Gives Griffin enough to sell the casual fans on a young player with 'potential' in Salaun and future draft capital (extra picks, none of CHA's own), with cap savings to open up options with the Ingram/CJ trade returns. For example, this allows them to trade Ingram for MPJ and keep his salary.

Mark/ Diabate/ Richards/ Taj
Zion/ (GrantW)/ JRE
Bridges/ Jevonte
Miller/ Curry
Ball/ Mann/ Smith Jr.

Missi/ Theis
(Ingram)/ Murphy/ Salaun
Herb/ Green/ Martin
(CJ)/ Hawkins/ Boston
Murray/ Jose/ Micic

jbk1234 wrote:I suspect that the Lakers are in this trade because the Pelicans would take Rui, but not Miles. The value is off. Vincent's inclusion could be a deal breaker (should be DLo). The Hornets are overpaying for Zion, but the Pelicans aren't going to want to take back Miles or Grant Williams so the Lakers inclusion helps get it done.

Exactly. Can you name the teams who would trade for Miles Bridges? Now of those, would any give up value to take on his 3 year contract?

I chose Vincenct and Rui as the matching salary since it would offset the future years of Bridges' salary LAL would be taking on, with Christie and 2 seconds as a mild sweetener. I could see them taking on Bridges' 3 year contract in place of the Rui and Vincent multi-year salary slots, but not for DLo's expiring while still having to keep the Rui & Vincent contracts. And while lesser players, Rui & Vincent are only 2 year contracts, soon to be moveable expirings in the offseason. Bridges' 3 year deal is declining, but his checkered past is a major PR stain to any team thinking of acquiring him and representing their city for 3 seasons.

Thought process here is flawed. If anyone should be swinging for the fences it’s lakers not charlotte bc they need to win now. Cha needs to be methodical in rebuilding roster. Cut out charlotte and la sends picks and expirings to nop for Zion.

YayBasketball wrote:

luciano-davidwesley wrote:The real final kick in the nuts here is not just giving up one more first than we should but also having to take back Gabe Vincent's contract!

The Lakers have no business in this trade - NO and Charlotte can make this work if need be without LA.

So seeing this a lot. I guess Hornets fan would want to keep Bridges' 3 year contract on the roster along with Ball and Zion's max deals, (along with injured Grant Williams'salary) with Miller and Mark Williams as the other keepers. Figured clearing out Bridges' deal would create more financial flexibility to round out the roster.

Unless you think any other team would give up value for Miles Bridges? Do you see any team trading for that player and giving up value?

Upon request, here is the amended trade directly with Pelicans and Hornets. Keep in mind, injured Grant Williams' salary would require a 1st alone for a team to take on his deal, so he is left out of this.

Hornets trade:
Josh Green
Salaun
Micic
Martin
'27 DAL 1st
'27 MIA 1st
'25 NOP 2nd

Hornets recieve:
Zion
JRE
Jevonte Green

I get that fans still won't want to take the risk on Zion, but think this is a reasonable offer that could get Pels/Griffin to consider ending the Z experience early at the deadline. Anything less probably doesnt get considered. Gives Griffin enough to sell the casual fans on a young player with 'potential' in Salaun and future draft capital (extra picks, none of CHA's own), with cap savings to open up options with the Ingram/CJ trade returns. For example, this allows them to trade Ingram for MPJ and keep his salary.

Mark/ Diabate/ Richards/ Taj
Zion/ (GrantW)/ JRE
Bridges/ Jevonte
Miller/ Curry
Ball/ Mann/ Smith Jr.

Missi/ Theis
(Ingram)/ Murphy/ Salaun
Herb/ Green/ Martin
(CJ)/ Hawkins/ Boston
Murray/ Jose/ Micic

Better salary wise. I still feel like Zion isn't worth this picks package as he is NEVER available. That NOP 2025 2nd is likely almost a late first too. So effectively giving up close to 3 firsts for Zion feels like an overpay.

YayBasketball wrote:

luciano-davidwesley wrote:The real final kick in the nuts here is not just giving up one more first than we should but also having to take back Gabe Vincent's contract!

The Lakers have no business in this trade - NO and Charlotte can make this work if need be without LA.

Hornets trade:
Josh Green
Salaun
Micic
Martin
'27 DAL 1st
'27 MIA 1st
'25 NOP 2nd

Between Zion and Ingram, I prefer Ingram.

The risk with Zion is injury and bad longterm money while the risk with Ingram is he leaves in free agency, but I'd rather pay for the audition knowing I am not forced to eat Ingram's contract. Both players have availability issues. Ingram has some value as an expiring contract alone. The audition could go well and he might want to re-up with Charlotte. If his demands are unreasonable given his audition, Hornets do not have to eat the new contract. Simply cut ties.

This offer gets the Pelicans under the tax and gives them a pick that's currently 32. I keep Josh Green in the deal here because I agree Grant Williams has negative value. I am adding a 2027 Pelicans/Blazers (more favorable) 2nd rounder.

This is a low risk audition for Charlotte who gets to keep all 1st round picks. Hornets still have pick 35 in the 2nd round of 2025.

Josh Green
Taj Gibson (expiring)
Micic (team option)
Martin (team option)
'27 DAL 1st
'27 MIA 1st
'25 NOP 2nd
'27 NOP 2nd

Hornets receive Brandon Ingram.

MasterIchiro wrote:

YayBasketball wrote:
Hornets trade:
Josh Green
Salaun
Micic
Martin
'27 DAL 1st
'27 MIA 1st
'25 NOP 2nd

Between Zion and Ingram, I prefer Ingram.

The risk with Zion is injury and bad longterm money while the risk with Ingram is he leaves in free agency, but I'd rather pay for the audition knowing I am not forced to eat Ingram's contract. Both players have availability issues. Ingram has some value as an expiring contract alone. The audition could go well and he might want to re-up with Charlotte. If his demands are unreasonable given his audition, Hornets do not have to eat the new contract. Simply cut ties.

This offer gets the Pelicans under the tax and gives them a pick that's currently 32. I keep Josh Green in the deal here because I agree Grant Williams has negative value. I am adding a 2027 Pelicans/Blazers (more favorable) 2nd rounder.

This is a low risk audition for Charlotte who gets to keep all 1st round picks. Hornets still have pick 35 in the 2nd round of 2025.

Josh Green
Taj Gibson (expiring)
Micic (team option)
Martin (team option)
'27 DAL 1st
'27 MIA 1st
'25 NOP 2nd
'27 NOP 2nd

Hornets receive Brandon Ingram.

Hornets actually do not need to swing for a #1 scoring option here, not with LaMelo chasing a scoring title at age 23.

So Ingram as a #2 option (eventually #3 when Miller grows into the role) fits the roster needs better, while preserving 1st round picks Hornets could use down the line for a big move.

MasterIchiro wrote:

YayBasketball wrote:

luciano-davidwesley wrote:The real final kick in the nuts here is not just giving up one more first than we should but also having to take back Gabe Vincent's contract!

The Lakers have no business in this trade - NO and Charlotte can make this work if need be without LA.

Hornets trade:
Josh Green
Salaun
Micic
Martin
'27 DAL 1st
'27 MIA 1st
'25 NOP 2nd

Between Zion and Ingram, I prefer Ingram.

The risk with Zion is injury and bad longterm money while the risk with Ingram is he leaves in free agency, but I'd rather pay for the audition knowing I am not forced to eat Ingram's contract. Both players have availability issues. Ingram has some value as an expiring contract alone. The audition could go well and he might want to re-up with Charlotte. If his demands are unreasonable given his audition, Hornets do not have to eat the new contract. Simply cut ties.

This offer gets the Pelicans under the tax and gives them a pick that's currently 32. I keep Josh Green in the deal here because I agree Grant Williams has negative value. I am adding a 2027 Pelicans/Blazers (more favorable) 2nd rounder.

This is a low risk audition for Charlotte who gets to keep all 1st round picks. Hornets still have pick 35 in the 2nd round of 2025.

Josh Green
Taj Gibson (expiring)
Micic (team option)
Martin (team option)
'27 DAL 1st
'27 MIA 1st
'25 NOP 2nd
'27 NOP 2nd

Hornets receive Brandon Ingram.

Pelicans would be way better off letting Ingram expire and walk at the end of the season.