The New Orleans Pelicans are in search of an offensive-minded big man to pair with young superstar Anthony Davis. Jahlil Okafor, the odd-man out in Philly’s glut of big men, is one player who has been rumored to be on his way to New Orleans. Another is Brook Lopez. This report comes from Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders:
The New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets have discussed a trade of Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, Tim Frazier and a 2018 protected first-round pick for Brook Lopez, league sources told Basketball Insiders.
This deal makes some sense for both teams; the Pelicans get their post scorer, and the Nets get a future first-round draft pick along with some valuable players. Plus, Tyreke Evans is on an expiring contract, so the Nets would be able to get that salary off the books after this season.
The Pelicans would likely do this deal in a heartbeat; Brook Lopez is a damn good center. The question here is whether the Nets would do this without a 2017 first-rounder in the mix. Injuries aside, Lopez is valuable and the Nets know it.
