The New Orleans Pelicans continue to capitalize on what was supposed to be a letdown of an offseason after they shipped away Anthony Davis. Instead, they have come out major winners since Davis’ departure, piecing together one of the league’s best young cores and now adding to it in free agency.
Center remains a position of need for the Pels, but they quelled some of that with their selection of Texas’ Jaxson Hayes in the 2019 NBA Draft. However, the Pelicans have also opted to add some proven talent in Utah Jazz big man Derrick Favors. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pelicans will send two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Favors.
Pelicans are sending 2021 and 2023 second-round picks — both via Warriors — in trade for Favors, league source tells ESPN. https://t.co/jNwPC0MB1R
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019
Since entering the NBA as the third overall pick in 2010, Derrick Favors has been a reliable interior presence for the Jazz. Favors started 70 games for Utah last season, averaging 11.8 points and 7.4 rebounds while shooting nearly 59% from the field.
Now Favors will join a young core in New Orleans where his play inside will be extremely valuable alongside forwards Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Favors’ versatility has always been another major positive to his game, so don’t be surprised if he opens the season as the Pelicans’ starting center.
