Pelica Debrief
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NBA Draft Rumors: Pelicans named as potential trade partner with Suns

By George Hathaway

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 24: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Herbert Jones #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference First Round at the Smoothie King Center on April 24, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 24: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Herbert Jones #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference First Round at the Smoothie King Center on April 24, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the New Orleans Pelicans and the 8th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Per recent reports, the Suns are interested in trading players to free up cap space to pay Deandre Ayton. If so, the Pelicans could get involved.

One of the names floating around is Cameron Johnson. In the 2021-2022 season, he averaged a career high 12.5 points, 4 rebounds, and shot 46 percent from the field. Johnson is also a good three point shooter who shot 42 percent from long range.

He only makes $5.8 million next year on a team option, so he is a guy who the Pels could take on without any long-term salary obligations. He is due for a big raise the season after, but the Pels would get a season of cheap production out of him and a year to see if he is a long-term fit.

It would be a great pickup for the Pelicans to have Johnson on the team, considering he did well against the Pels in the playoffs. He is a solid all around player who would give more depth and flexibility to already deep Pels roster. He would also give them more size and 3-point shooting off the bench, which is something the Pelicans need.

Related Story. Pelicans: Possible NBA Draft trade partners from each conference. light

The Pelicans would need more than just Cameron Johnson to trade away the 8th overall pick in the NBA Draft, and the Suns don’t have a draft pick to send back in the deal. There would almost certainly have to be a third team involved, one that had a draft pick they were willing to move, unless the Suns were willing to trade Johnson for second round picks.

Jae Crowder is another veteran on a one-year deal that the Suns could look to move. He’s making over $10 million next season, so acquiring him would likely require additional moves or a third team. He’s a guy who could help give the Pelicans some toughness and defensive flexibility off the bench.

I’m sure Dario Saric would be available for next to nothing, considering he is coming off a serious injury and makes $9.6 million next season.

It’s hard to see a straight up deal with the Suns, but there could be several teams in play in which case the Pelicans might have interest in one of their veterans. It’s a storyline to watch out for as the NBA Draft approaches.

Next. NBA Draft rumors: Pelicans could trade back with Oklahoma City. dark