[high floorParticipant]

New Orleans was a really fun team to watch last year. Anthony Davis played incredibly, Jrue Holiday finally seems to be over his stress fracture issues, and Mirotic was a welcomed stretch-4 addition at the deadline. However, I think this team’s success is ultimately capped until they solve their recurring problem at the 3. E’twaun Moore, although quite good last year, is not the solution as a starting 3 for this team.  He is just too small to navigate this position vs. the best teams in the west.

So, below I listed a few potential targets (not super exciting) that they possibly could zero-in on either before the season….. or during the season prior to the deadline that could be an upgrade to their current roster. Current pieces they could consider dealing are Cheick Diallo, Solomon Hill or their 2019 first rounder:

1.) Jonathan Simmons – Although not the greatest perimeter shooter, Simmons is on a very affordable contract at just over 6million per season. He brings gritty defense, and some creation skills off the dribble

2.) TJ Warren – Although he plays some PF (which the Pels do not need… Mirotic & Randle in tow) I think he brings some intriguing talent on offense. Could be had from Suns for right price

3.) Denzel Valentine – Denzel seems like one of those glue guys that could produce pretty well on a good team. The bulls & pels already worked out a successful trade last year….. so the history is there for them to potentially discuss a Valentine trade.   

[HobbyOGParticipant]

 TJ Warren would be a great addition for them. Maybe trade Randle at the trading deadline for him? 

[ThenilonatorParticipant]

 Randle will be their starting PF and a really nice addition to that team, trading him for warren doesn’t make them better it just solves one problem to create another

[HobbyOGParticipant]

 Randle on a one year deal. He’s gone after this year. Move Nikola or whatever his name to PF and AD to Center, then put TJ at SF. TJ locked down for a while, NO not attracting no good FA’s so they might as well trade for TJ. 

[TRC1991Participant]

That Solomon Hill signing was low-key devastating for the Pelicans. Absolutely handicapped them and provided them with a non-athletic, poor-shooting, non NBA-level player for $13million a year.

I don’t think Darius Miller is an NBA level player either.

I’m amazed that an NBA team can’t fill a MASSIVE hole at a position that is largely considered the deepest in the NBA.

Mind = blown.

 

[RUDEBOY-Participant]

 I think losing Rondo will hurt much more than losing Boogie. Joe Johnson,Corey Brewer, Hood and Nick Young r still out there. I guess the Pelicans will have several guys rotating in that spot. They signed Troy Williams this summer, he had his moments with NY last season. Solomon Hill & Moore spent time playing sf last yr. They signed the kid Williams from TCU. But None of those guys r the type that can fill the role long term. I can see them playing AD, Randle and Mirotic upfront 2gether a lot.

[HitsterParticipant]

 TJ Warren would be a nice fit but as a Suns fan I’d want a decent return for him.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

Im looking at the numbers and it’s hard to believe Warren averaged almost 20 ppg last season. Still, I wouldn’t like the fit at all for New Orleans. He’s a poor defender and doesn’t space the floor. Too much of a volume scorer. I think a 3 and D guy would fit their their system better.

 

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Trevon Bluiett. Problem solved.

[kobyzParticipant]

 Mirotic could play that position vs certain matchups…

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

If the suns realize they aren’t going to contend for the playoffs this season and want to give mins to young guys like Jackson and bridges, than maybe Trevor Ariza will become available during the season. 

Kelly Oubre would no doubt be an intriguing fit, but I don’t think the pelicans have the necessary pieces to pull off a deal for him. 

Luol Deng is out there and could certainly be had for cheap, although I’m not sure how much he would be able to actually contribute at this point. Plus he’s probably more suited for the 4 at this point anyway. 

Swaggy P on a min deal makes at least some sense.

 

 

 

[r377Participant]

 Rodney Hood just signed with cleveland for only $3 mill, surely he is worth more than that…

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