Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Brandon Ingram, F Trey Murphy III, C Jaxson Hayes, 2023 First-Round Pick (via LAL) 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick (via MIL), 2026 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick (via MIL)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Kevin Durant
The New Orleans Pelicans have dealt with superstar players asking for a trade in the past. Chris Paul and Anthony Davis both forced their way out of town, heading west to Los Angeles with Paul ending up with the Clippers and Davis with the Lakers.
They are hoping that Zion Williamson will snap that streak after agreeing to a max rookie extension this offseason. If they want to ensure that he wants to stay, the Pelicans should get aggressive trading for a superstar player instead of being the one trading them away.
The Pelicans can make a very competitive package for Kevin Durant and it starts with Brandon Ingram. The Nets are looking for All-Star, blue-chip players in return, evident by the reported asking price from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Ingram certainly fits that bill as he won’t be 25 until September and already has an All-Star game appearance under his belt.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Brooklyn Nets Not Thrilled With Kevin Durant Trade Offers
Brooklyn is also receiving former lottery pick Jaxson Hayes, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract. If they prefer, Larry Nance Jr. can be swapped into his spot. Trey Murphy III was a first-round pick of the Pelicans in 2021 and has the makings of a strong two-way, 3-and-D performer.
The draft picks are what most teams get stuck on, as they are limited in how many they can offer. However, the Pelicans have a surplus of them from the Davis and Jrue Holiday trades. So, they unload them in this scenario to meet the Nets’ asking price.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Brooklyn Nets Not Thrilled With Kevin Durant Trade Offers
A Pelicans starting five of CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Durant, Williamson, and Jonas Valanciunas will certainly be a tough one for teams to contend with. There would be solid depth remaining as well with the likes of Devonte’ Graham, one of Nance or Hayes, Kira Lewis Jr., Garrett Temple, Naji Marshall, and rookie Dyson Daniels coming off the bench.
