Pelicans finalizing trade for Asik

[HornetGuru]

I'd go Rivers 60%, Ryan 30%, Gordon 10% even though I think there would need to be other moves in order to move Gordon.

Thanks, does this mean things have went down hill with the trade you heard about?

[RaisingTheBar]

I'd go Rivers 60%, Ryan 30%, Gordon 10% even though I think there would need to be other moves in order to move Gordon.

The thing though Havoc with Ryno is that we are still rumored to be looking to move into the 1st. Rivers will NOT get us that. If the objective is really to get a 1st rounder, while still needing to shed cap space, I think Ryno would have the highest percentage. Just the way I look at it.

[HornetGuru]

The thing though Havoc with Ryno is that we are still rumored to be looking to move into the 1st. Rivers will NOT give us that. If the objective is really to get a 1st rounder, while still needing to shed cap space, I think Ryno would have the highest percentage. Just the way I look at it.

exactly, if u want a mid first u need to deal ryno, but rivers could get u a first, but it would be in the 25-30 range. Which id still do if cleanthony falls.

[whomdoyouwork4]

Great now we are cap strap and no legitimate basketball mind would say we are a lock for the playoffs even if healthy. We will have to re-sign Asik as early as next year or we gave a pick away for basically cap space. Holiday has to play consistently and avoid any set backs from the injury last year. Plus Rivers or Anderson will likely be cap casualties just to have enough players to field a complete roster.

Yeah not sure how many GM's are killing to be in this situation, but I haven't polled any of them so who knows.

Pretty sure no one in our FO is dreading the idea of locking up Asik next summer. Now he gets a year of chem w/ AD and we get his bird rights. Feels like we've done our small-market diligence here. Sure, could've fished for him w/ the other quality FA centers in 2015, but I think this way we'll keep him on a Splitter-like contract, which is fair considering what he brings to the table. And we won't have to get into the bidding wars over Gasol, Drummond, Hibbert, or DeAndre next summer, which is gonna lead to some of those guys getting bloated contracts. If Asik is your 4th or 5th best player at 10mil or less that's pretty ideal IMO.

You're probably right that ultimately no GM's are wanting to trade into Demp's shoes because of the hot seat/injury issues.

Also, aren't all competitive teams cap strapped, and the best ones also have flexibility? Besides Gordon, I feel like all our assets are pretty flexible.

[da ThRONe]

Let's cut da_Throne some slack. A playoff lock in the Western Conference means we're in the 3rd to 6th range. We could still make the playoffs this year as a 7th or 8th seed, but by pure definition, that wouldn't be locks. One bad week to end the season and on the outside looking in just like the Timberwolves.

Of course it wouldn't shock me if we made the playoffs. Just like we were hit with the injury stick {edited} it could happen to other teams. Some we could have just surpassed or they may regress. We were still decent despite being very injured.

However we are better on paper as of now with what we know about the Asik deal. But we don't know what the bench will look like. We don't know how this team will gel. If player X(if we are still doing that) comes over for player Y(are we still hiding this guy too?). What will happen to the spacing? Clearly Davis is most effective as a cutter and a PNR option than he is a shooter and as an ISO option. Is Gordon still on this team? If so will he be taking possession away from Holiday and Evans? Will Gordon be in the starting lineup? If so will it effect Evans if not will it effect Gordon?

All of this and most of the teams we are competing against will all mostly return as is if not with their own up grades. Denver just got Afflalo for example. I don't see how anybody can say we are a lock to make the playoffs next season.

[RaisingTheBar]

exactly, if u want a mid first u need to deal ryno, but rivers could get u a first, but it would be in the 25-30 range. Which id still do if cleanthony falls.

I just don't think Rivers could get us a 1st. I tell you this though, if Ryno is traded and we get a mid round (14-17) pick, I'm taking Mr. Ryno clone, McDermott.

[Redhopeful]

Let me ask you this - If Gordon is off the team - just magically gone, how would you view our team and assets. Core 4 plus Asik, Rivers, Ajinca, Withey, Pierre plus about 12-14 mil in cap room.

I know he is not magically gone, but I am curious. My point being that if you remove the only trade I hate that Dell made, would he have not built one of the youngest, deepest, most flexible rosters with an opportunity to add even more?

I still think he made one huge mistake. Throw that away and it has been borderline great and would be viewed as such if not for the one huge error.

+1. Well said.

[HornetGuru]

I just don't think Rivers could get us a 1st. I tell you this though, if Ryno is traded and we get a mid round (14-17) pick, I'm taking Mr. Ryno clone, McDermott.

I got McDermott going in the lottery, tremendous scorer, hustle, and is not as bad defensively as advertised.

and i honestly believe you could easily get a 25-30 for rivers, his offensive potential is tremendous and he has already shown to be a good 3 and D. GM's know he's young and was a project.

[RaisingTheBar]

I got McDermott going in the lottery, tremendous scorer, hustle, and is not as bad defensively as advertised.

and i honestly believe you could easily get a 25-30 for rivers, his offensive potential is tremendous and he has already shown to be a good 3 and D. GM's know he's young and was a project.

Yeah you never know, people fall, him KJ or Hood and I'd be pretty satisfied.

[HornetGuru]

Yeah you never know, people fall, him KJ or Hood and I'd be pretty satisfied.

Oh ya i know, i'm in no way guaranteeing him going in the lotto, I'm just saying i personally would take him there, but I'm still hoping we get an early 2nd rounder from someone and get KJ, Fair, or Deandre daniels.

[HoustonPelicans]

Trading Rivers for a first doesn't clear up cap space if I'm not mistaken. Wouldn't the 1st rd pick get a automatic cap hold?

[HornetGuru]

Trading Rivers for a first doesn't clear up cap space if I'm not mistaken. Wouldn't the 1st rd pick get a automatic cap hold?

it would clear up about 2.5 million

[da ThRONe]

I'm curious Throne, what would you have done differently?

Can you be more specific? is there a starting point for reference? Just in general I would have taken my time and build the team via the draft.

[RaisingTheBar]

Oh ya i know, i'm in no way guaranteeing him going in the lotto, I'm just saying i personally would take him there, but I'm still hoping we get an early 2nd rounder from someone and get KJ, Fair, or Deandre daniels.

I'm going to be completely honest, the past month I haven't kept up with prospects or anything draft related because I figured there was no way we would do anything. Only since this rumor that we wanted a pick did I start to pay attention. Can you please explain to me why KJ's draft stock fell to the 2nd round? I'm honestly asking, from what I remember right after the season, people were pretty high on him and I thought for sure he was a 1st round grade.

[rezburna]

There's no way AD, Holiday or Evans are moved right now. You can take that to the bank.

Agreed. Exactly the point I was trying to make.

[RekeHavoc]

Thanks, does this mean things have went down hill with the trade you heard about?

Nope all I heard was Dell was trying to do this. I'm sure there are tons of other possibilities though.

[HornetGuru]

I'm going to be completely honest, the past month I haven't kept up with prospects or anything draft related because I figured there was no way we would do anything. Only since this rumor that we wanted a pick did I start to pay attention. Can you please explain to me why KJ's draft stock fell to the 2nd round? I'm honestly asking, from what I remember right after the season, people were pretty high on him and I thought for sure he was a 1st round grade.

6"6 SF with limited offense, he is a great athlete, rebounder, defender, with an improving 3pt ball, but outside of alley oops and fast breaks and his 3 he doesn't have any offense, he is an athletic 3 and D.

[HornetGuru]

Nope all I heard was Dell was trying to do this. I'm sure there are tons of other possibilities though.

cool thanks.

[RekeHavoc]

The thing though Havoc with Ryno is that we are still rumored to be looking to move into the 1st. Rivers will NOT get us that. If the objective is really to get a 1st rounder, while still needing to shed cap space, I think Ryno would have the highest percentage. Just the way I look at it.

I think Rivers can get us a first, but we'll see.

[BIGBREED]

The Pelicans having 3.2M available in cash, can actually buy a 1st RD pick from a team who have multiple picks in the 1st Rd.

[HornetGuru]

The Pelicans having 3.2M available in cash, can actually buy a 1st RD pick from a team who have multiple picks in the 1st Rd.

True, but we need to remove cap for Asik, not add.

[RaisingTheBar]

I think Rivers can get us a first, but we'll see.

I'd love for you to be correct, trust me. Would like to keep Ryno if at all possible.

[RaisingTheBar]

The Pelicans having 3.2M available in cash, can actually buy a 1st RD pick from a team who have multiple picks in the 1st Rd.

I'm guessing 3.2mil is the going rate for 1st rounders?? I saw the tweet but just didn't get the 3.2 number.

[HornetGuru]

I'd love for you to be correct, trust me. Would like to keep Ryno if at all possible.

I'm telling you, Rivers can get you around 25-30, just trust me

[Rafa Brazil]

not really related to the topic, but still pels news

Shams Charania: N.C. State product Courtney Fells has finalized a commitment to play for the New Orleans Pelicans in summer league, source tells RealGM. Twitter @ShamsCharania