Goodbye, Mr. Pelican

[Jestor]

From Jackson Ayorinde’s phone:

For years, Lauri Markkanen defined the New Orleans Pelicans. The most popular player on a squad that never could get over the hump of being a late-seed playoff team. And now it’s officially the end of an era, as the star scoring veteran big has been shipped out to the Orlando Magic for Denyata Davis, 21 year old Santi Aldama, and the New York Knicks 2032 1st round draft pick.

On pure talent alone, the Orlando Magic win this trade. Lauri is a scoring, rebounding stretch 4 who will open up Orlando’s offense and punish teams who try to zone the Magic. He slots in as an immediate upgrade at the 4 over Aldama, who found himself with just a month’s stay in the Magic Kingdom before being sent to the Big Easy.

But there are other factors to consider. The biggest one might well be that the Pelicans go from a sneeze away into hard cap penalties to saving $8 million immediately. And they shed Lauri’s $21 million+ multiyear contract, easing the pain of having to make some very difficult decisions further on down the line, and perhaps avoiding it entirely.

The pick projects to be in the late teens or early 20s, putting the Pelicans back in play in the first round of the draft, and providing an opportunity to add another piece in New Orleans’ quest to add more timeline-appropriate players around Wemby.

Aldama, too, is arguably in that category. At just 21 years old, the Spanish-born forward is in his third year. And he’s shown this season he’s developed the deadly 3 point shot and solid defensive rebounding he was projected to when he was drafted. “We’ll look and see if we can continue refining his shooting,” said head coach Doc Rivers. “There’s still a solid young man there. Not an All-Star certainly, but a capable fifth starter or bench stretch big as he continues to develop.”

He also represents a slight upgrade in bench shotblocking, though that’s superseded by Davis, who arrives as the Pelicans’ best swatter on a team desperate to improve its overall defense, which has been horrendous to say the least.

“Just a solid all-around player a lot of front offices consider underrated,” Rivers noted of Davis. “He might be a guy who only plays a half-season because of the financial situation, but he’ll get a shot to start and showcase his abilities to future employers. And who knows? Maybe he ends up being brought back. Still a lot of things that could happen.”

Among the things that could happen: other trades, including Mohamed Bamba and Malik Monk. Team insiders say there’s a lot of discussions and offer reviews for both players going on at present, though no deal for either is imminent. Even some young players, such as Cole Anthony and David Boston Jr, are involved in conversations.

“We’ll look at everything and make some decisions,” GM Jestor said. “It’s not a guarantee we move anyone else by the deadline. This trade was really important for that reason - it afforded us the opportunity to examine the market, and if there’s nothing we felt fit what we’re looking for, we can revisit in the off-season. That’s what walking back from the brink of the hard cap gets you.”

[OneNole]

Is the trade a win in overall talent? No, but it was a deal you had to make. Not like anyone else was calling for him due to his albatross contract. There is a reason why new Orleans has never been good and I think lauri is one of those reasons.

I'm interested to see how Davis does back in the starting lineup. I do think he is underrated. Alsama is trash but that is what it is.

[Flaming Homer]

I agree with Brett, a trade that had to be done. Having another 1st rounder to use in search for younger pieces to surround Wemby is more important and I don't see a big market for Lauri on this contract.

[rh0xxy]

Good move to free up cap while getting back serviceable rotational bigs. This is a rebuild underway anyway, right? Either way, i like the direction you are going. Good luck.

[GreenBear]

Moving that contract was big in and of itself. You get a guy in Davis that can do a bit of everything, a mid-to-late 1st and a fun project in Aldama.

I don't consider Lauri a franchise piece, so I think this is a nice move for you guys.

[Stockton12]

didnt tim draft aldama or traded for him before

[hardenwithnod]

didnt tim draft aldama or traded for him before

Yea pretty sure he drafted him when he was the Clippers GM

[bt]

What all the others said.

I reckon lots like Lauri and lots just pass on any interest because of that albatross contract. Getting that off the books is great and bonus young player and a pick? That's a solid rebuilding trade.