Originally Posted by
LAL1947
I really think the Pels should see if Phoenix is interested in making a trade for Zion, if the Suns don't win the title.
Ayton + Bridges for Zion + Jonas is the base. Since Zion has been out for a year, add FRP(s) if needed.
This is a total long-shot suggestion but who knows if the Suns will be open to it unless Griffin asks? Perhaps, the Suns are not willing to carry 4 max contracts (Booker, Ayton, CP3, Bridges)... and might be drawn by Zion's potential star power (which I think will not materialize in New Orleans). The Pels also get to use the $17m TPE from trading Steven Adams to make things work, instead of letting it expire.
2022-23 New Orleans Pelicans:
McCollum........... Lewis?, GT Alvarado
Bridges............. Graham?
Herb.................. Murphy
Ingram.............. Kuzma
Ayton................ Hayes
Part 1: Trade with Phoenix.
New Orleans
In: Ayton [$31,582,376], Bridges [$21,000,000] = $52,582,376
Out: Zion [$13,534,817], Jonas [$14,700,000] = $28,234,817
Phoenix
In: Zion [$13,534,817], Jonas [$14,700,000] = $28,234,817
Out: Ayton [$15,791,188], Bridges [$21,000,000] = $36,791,188
Phoenix is sending out $36,791,188 and taking back $28,234,817, so they are okay per the CBA.
New Orleans is sending out $28,234,817 and taking back $52,582,376, so they need to send out an additional $13,751,083... which is where using the TPE comes in.
Part 2: Using the TPE with Washington.
New Orleans
In: Kuzma [$13,000,000, taken into the TPE]
Washington
In: Nance [$9,672,727] + Temple [$5,155,500 filler] + 1 FRP to compensate the Wiz for helping.
Nance probably fits better on Beal's timeline too and along with Porzingis.