New Orleans Pelicans: 3 trade targets as Bulls turn over front office
By Willie Lutz
Adding Thaddeus Young to give the bench a tougher defensive option
Not fitting well with the Bulls during his first season in Chicago, it seems likely that Arturas Karnisovas will entertain offers for Thaddeus Young in the offseason.
The Pelicans, one way or the other, need to find a way to add some veteran help for the frontcourt in their second unit. In the event that Derrick Favors doesn’t return and in the severe likelihood Jahlil Okafor has played his last game with New Orleans, their group of bigs paints a murky picture.
Wishful thinkers might see Kenrich Williams as a fit in that role with the second team, but his 34.3% field goal, 26% three-point, and 37.5% free-throw rates this season make it hard to see that as a reality.
Nicolò Melli and Jaxson Hayes clearly have their place on this Pelicans roster, the latter seeming like a year or two away from being an everyday starter. Zion Williamson is, of course, the foundational big for this team.
Inking a three-year, $43.6 million deal last offseason, the final season of Young’s deal was only partially guaranteed, meaning he could be cut before 2021-2022 season for only $6 million in dead cap as opposed to the $14.2 million he’ll receive if he remains in-house.
As the organization continues to signal frustration in their lack-of-ability to land superstars in free agency like other major-market teams, Chicago Bulls might be looking for a way to get out of Thaddeus Young’s remaining money.