Anthony Davis paired well with Jrue Holiday for the New Orleans Pelicans. Now, they need to find another complimentary big on a more affordable contract.
Anthony Davis is all but gone from the New Orleans Pelicans. The incoming trade haul will vary, but it can be expected that the Pelicans get a high draft pick and some serviceable players. Of course, the hope is the trade nets a young star on the rise, but the new front office cannot be passive in providing help for Jrue Holiday.
Julius Randle and Jahlil Okafor both showed signs of developmental progress this season, but neither impressed enough to trust them to fill the role Davis vacates this offseason. However, both can be serviceable secondary big men.
There are two potential free agents that would fit well and actually be reasonable targets. Each fit Jrue’s game and also have skills that Randle and Okafor lack. The Holiday/Davis era was far too predictable. The Pelicans will need to be a versatile squad to compete for a playoff spot next season.
Brook Lopez has taken a couple years, but his game now fits the modern NBA. Lopez will turn 31 next season, but he’s been durable since entering the league. Lopez has played 72 games or more in all but two seasons. His age and well known limits will help keep his salary numbers down, and the Bucks have many salary pressures this offseason, which might force them to remove themselves from the competition to sign Lopez.
He has expanded his game to long range, shooting 36% on 2.1 three-point attempts per game. He does have a decade worth of known limits, however. Lopez only averaged more than 8 rebounds a game in his first two seasons. Now, he is only grabbing four or five a game, along with 12 points. For the Bucks, that’s good value on a $3.4 million contract.
Lopez will expect a raise, perhaps even triple this year’s salary. Any more might be a tough deal, but if Randle leaves, Lopez slots right into his salary slot from this season.
Another name to watch is Nikola Vucevic, who could be forced out of Orlando. Last year, the Magic drafted Mo Bamba sixth overall, and they entertained trade offers at the deadline. Orlando held firm and have a playoff appearance to show for their faith that Vucevic would give a professional effort. However, their frontcourt is getting more and more crowded.
Vucevic would cost a bit more than Lopez, but he’s younger (28) with better stats all around, including three point shooting. Vucevic can contributes 21 points, 12 rebounds, and the ability to guard his position. Unlike Davis, Vucevic is willing to bang. Vucevic provides 90% of Davis’ value for half the contract.
These are the types of valuable players and contracts the new front office needs to recruit. Lopez has found new life and will be as affordable as he is serviceable, especially for a small team needing characters to market.
Vucevic could be forced out in the middle of his prime for the next young project. His current coach loves him by all accounts. A solid leader in his prime with a chip on his soldier is a great prospect for a bigger two or three year contract.
The Pelicans would get his prime, though they may pay a small market premium. Vucevic would get marquee billing next to Jrue with another big payday waiting. If he doesn’t fit, the contract could still be traded.
The Pelicans will have room to add at least one starter caliber player, especially if they take on less salary in the Davis trade. There are smart ways to build a contender quickly. Perhaps the new front office has a different plan and skill set in mind. Whatever plan is implemented, finding value in the second tier of free agency is the quickest path back to the playoffs with Jrue in his prime as the New Orleans Pelicans move on from Anthony Davis.