Indiana Pacers Receive: G Lonzo Ball (via sign-and-trade), NOP 2023 1st Round Pick (Top-10 Protected)

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon, G Jeremy Lamb

Now this would certainly be a big move for the Pelicans to make, especially since they seem to be in a “win-now mode.” Hypothetically, if the Pelicans were able to bring in Kyle Lowry and then trade for Malcolm Brogdon, they could have a rotation of Lowry, Brogdon, Ingram, Williamson and Valanciunas, giving them one of the most talented starting fives in the league. 

The only problem with all of this is that the salary cap is a real thing and the Pelicans would go way over it and into luxury tax land, something they have never done in their history as an NBA franchise. Getting Brogdon would be a huge move for the Pelicans, but it would cost them financially. 

ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Jonathan Givony talked on The Lowe Podcast recently and both insiders talked about the possibility of a Pacers-Pelicans trade like this in the works. “Have you heard anything about Brogdon for Lonzo in a sign-and-trade?” Givony asked. “That’s been one of the hot rumors, that’s been one of the hot rumors,” Zach Lowe said. “Don’t know what to think of it honestly so I haven’t mentioned it because I kind of don’t know if I believe it.”

Brogdon has been a possible trade asset for the Pacers all offseason long and was rumored to be offered earlier in the offseason in a deal to acquire Ben Simmons. According to Jason Dumas of KRON4 News, The Sixers turned down an offer for Simmons in which the Indiana Pacers offered Malcolm Brogdon and a first-round pick. 

READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Lillard, LaVine, Simmons, Sexton

For the right price, Brogdon could be available and the Pelicans could potentially look to add him in a sign-and-trade deal involving Lonzo Ball. Who knows if the rumors are true about the Pacers wanting Ball, but if they do, they will have to be willing to pay him $20M+ per year, much more than they are paying Brogdon currently. 

This may not be the best trade the Pacers could make this offseason, but lets’ take a look at the implications this deal would have for both teams and if this is a sign-and-trade deal that makes sense for Indiana and New Orleans.