New Orleans Pelicans

For years now, the small market Pelicans have not been a major factor in the league’s contender landscape. If they were able to acquire Irving, they may become a superteam.

A healthy Zion Williamson alongside Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Kyrie Irving sounds unstoppable. It’s hard to imagine why they wouldn’t be the best offense in the entire NBA.

Of course, the Pelicans may have to part with one of their incumbent stars to acquire Irving. Williamson should be a non-option. At 24, Ingram probably should be too. If the Nets wanted the more reliable McCollum, the Pelicans could consider raising their ceiling by swapping him for Irving.

Otherwise, the Pelicans have a war chest of draft capital they could unload for Irving. It probably wouldn’t interest the Nets. They’re firmly in win-now mode. To make a deal happen, the Pelicans and Nets may have to enlist a third, rebuilding team.

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That alone shouldn’t be an obstacle. If the Nets are actively shopping Kyrie this summer, the Pelicans may benefit in searching that team out as soon as possible.