New Orleans Pelicans’ Trade Target: Lauri Markkanen

What a trade might look like…

What the New Orleans Pelicans would have to give up in a trade for Markkanen  would largely depend on what the Bulls want and how the Pelicans feel about their chances of re-signing Markkanen as a free agent.

Because Markkanen is unhappy, the Bulls have lost some leverage, and may want to trade him before he is able to walk for no return.

This drives his value down a bit.

But Markkanen is super-talented and as bad as the Bulls front office has been, they are unlikely to get fleeced in the new regime’s first trade.

In other words, Hayes and two picks in a weak draft may not be enough to get it done.

The Bulls also have a young center in Wendell Carter Jr., but may find the potential of Hayes and two picks too much to pass up.

The good news is the the New Orleans Pelicans have a ton of upcoming draft picks and could push out an offer that few NBA teams could match.

If the Bulls wanted another first rounder, say the 2023 pick the Pelicans can swap with the Lakers, then New Orleans might happily oblige.

There can only be so many young players on a team and eventually the New Orleans Pelicans have to use some of their considerable draft capital to make a trade.

This would leave the Pelicans dangerously thin at center, and would necessitate them grabbing another big in free agency.

Would the potential of a starting five of Ball, Holiday, Ingram, Markkanen and Zion be enough to tempt the Pelicans?

That team wouldn’t be great defensively, but the offense would almost be unstoppable.

Zion’s destiny is probably as a small-ball center and Markkanen would be a nice compliment.

It’s a lot for the New Orleans Pelicans to think about, but a trade for Markkanen would be a bold move that could put the Pelicans over the top.

We at Pelican Debrief are committed to bringing you coverage of the New Orleans Pelicans during the hiatus.

Thanks for your continued support, we appreciate it. Stay safe out there!