Utah Jazz Receive: F/C Larry Nance Jr., G Devonte’ Graham, 2023 First-Round Pick (NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Mike Conley
The New Orleans Pelicans are committed to winning next season. They might as well go all-in.
Besides, this team has draft capital to spare. In fact, they’ve got 12 first-round picks conveying between now and 2027. They might as well part with one to add a player of Conley’s caliber.
Defensively, this Pelicans team will be a mess. A starting backcourt of Conley and McCollum isn’t stopping anyone. Between a projected starting frontcourt of Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jonas Valanciunas, only Ingram is decidedly a positive on that end.
Counterpoint: the offense. Good god, the offense. A top-five finish in that regard should be a given. This Pelicans lineup would attack you in too many ways to count. Conley and Valanciunas would be battling it out for the position of best fifth option in the NBA.
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As for the Jazz, an unprotected first-round pick is a good return for Conley. Graham and Nance Jr. are only here to match salaries. They’ll likely move them in separate transactions.
