2025-26 NBA Thread: Pelicans fan dismayed team not involved in gambling scandal, they are just actually this bad (20 Viewers)

[General Malaise]

Nico is the ultimate corporate Nike guy. He's not going to say anything of substance or value and he will never admit being wrong. It's part of why their stock was $100 higher 2 years ago than today. The higher ups refuse to acknowledge mistakes and are glacial in pace reacting once it's obvious.

 

[Yo Mama]

Ja Morant + Brandon Clarke
For
Anthony Davis

Works in the trade machine.

 

[Yo Mama]

I'm sure they'll get boatloads for AD, Kyrie, and Klay.

I think you might be selling AD's market very short. I also think PJ Washington, Naji Marshall, and Daniel Gafford will have a market that at least gets them something useful in return (I don't recall if Gafford can be traded this year with his extension). N

Most teams are going to have issues matching salary. The two that at least come close are the Kings for LaVine or Philly for George, but are you really getting multiple first back for either? It's really hard to get to a pu pu platter salary match with him. He's obviously not untradable, but I don't know you're getting multiple first back either.

Some ideas (without looking into apron stuff) - in all cases first round picks heading to Dallas unless otherwise mentioned:

• SAS for Barnes, Johnson, and Olynyk or Johnson, Kornet, Castle, Olynyk or something with no picks.
• GSW for Kuminga and Green (there would have to be some salary from GSW going somewhere else).... I think this is my favorite
• OKC for Hartenstein, Wiggins, and Kenrich Williams(or Jaylin Williams instead of Wiggins or other Williams, depending on who is looking for more value)
• LAL for Hachimura, Vanderbilt, Vincent, and Kleber - not sure if this is allowed but it would be a treat
• POR for Grant, Williams III, Thybulle
• DET for Harris and Robinson
• NYK for KAT
• CHA for Bridges and Sexton... if the picks cost isn't too high, I think this would be really interesting. Ball, Miller, and KK with a legit PnR center and back line defender could be nice.

Point is, lots of teams could make the money work.

I think both GSW/DAL would need a third team to take on salary (I'm out of trade machine practice) and I think GSW would need to send out $6 million more in salary (again not sure Spotrac's trade machine is 100% accurate). You're right that that seems the most appealing. Dallas being up against the 2nd apron makes things harder.

This works

GS gets - Anthony Davis
Dal gets - Draymond, Kuminga, Tyrese Martin
Brk gets - Buddy Hield

 

[Juxtatarot]

Ja Morant + Brandon Clarke
For
Anthony Davis

Works in the trade machine.

I can't think of a worse player than Morant to kick off a rebuild.

 

[Yo Mama]

Ja Morant + Brandon Clarke
For
Anthony Davis

Works in the trade machine.

I can't think of a worse player than Morant to kick off a rebuild.

Yeah, I’m full of bad ideas today. I came up with a funny (to me) trade for a triumphant return for AD to New Orleans.

 

[AAABatteries]

Ja Morant + Brandon Clarke
For
Anthony Davis

Works in the trade machine.

I can't think of a worse player than Morant to kick off a rebuild.

I pay zero attention to contracts and the like so this is maybe (probably?) a dumb comment but I’d take him over Trae Young.

 

[thecatch]

Ja Morant + Brandon Clarke
For
Anthony Davis

Works in the trade machine.

I can't think of a worse player than Morant to kick off a rebuild.

I like that more than just getting expiring salary from the Warriors. You can sell people on the idea that Morant and Flagg can be a good pairing for the next 3-4 years if Morant gets his act together.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Ja Morant + Brandon Clarke
For
Anthony Davis

Works in the trade machine.

I can't think of a worse player than Morant to kick off a rebuild.

Red flags galore off the court.

And awful on it this season.

A coach's dream

 

[Juxtatarot]

Ja Morant + Brandon Clarke
For
Anthony Davis

Works in the trade machine.

I can't think of a worse player than Morant to kick off a rebuild.

I like that more than just getting expiring salary from the Warriors. You can sell people on the idea that Morant and Flagg can be a good pairing for the next 3-4 years if Morant gets his act together.

It's possible it could work but I think it's an unnecessary risk. I can't think of a good solution for Dallas in the short-term, though. Although getting another lottery pick would be nice (meaning their own).

 

[Yo Mama]

Ok here’s one:

Chi gets - AD, Powell, Brandon Williams

Dal gets - Coby White, Vucevic, Zach Collins

AD only non-expiring deal, but White due for an extension.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Ok here’s one:

Chi gets - AD, Powell, Brandon Williams

Dal gets - Coby White, Vucevic, Zach Collins

AD only non-expiring deal, but White due for an extension.

This would be good for Dallas.

 

[Frostillicus]

We need both AD and Morant to go East please.

 

[msudaisy26]

I would love AD with the Pistons. For a first round pick and salary filler like Tobias and Robinson.

 

[Yo Mama]

I would love AD with the Pistons. For a first round pick and salary filler like Tobias and Robinson.

It’s not like AD is asking to be traded or causing any issues besides being injured right now. He should go for more than just salaries and a pick. He was traded for Luka in his last deal after all.

 

[Yo Mama]

I would love AD with the Pistons. For a first round pick and salary filler like Tobias and Robinson.

It’s not like AD is asking to be traded or causing any issues besides being injured right now. He should go for more than just salaries and a pick. He was traded for Luka in his last deal after all.

It works if you add Duren to that deal. Dallas needs a long-term piece in any AD deal anyway.

 

[msudaisy26]

I would love AD with the Pistons. For a first round pick and salary filler like Tobias and Robinson.

It’s not like AD is asking to be traded or causing any issues besides being injured right now. He should go for more than just salaries and a pick. He was traded for Luka in his last deal after all.

It works if you add Duren to that deal. Dallas needs a long-term piece in any AD deal anyway.

Normally I am okay with trading Duren for a big piece, but not with AD. Having Duren at center to keep AD as a stretch four would help keep him healthy.

 

[Moe.]

Morant was horrible again tonight. Starting to think he’s gonna be out of the league after this contract.

 

[msudaisy26]

Morant was horrible again tonight. Starting to think he’s gonna be out of the league after this contract.

I think he is doing it on purpose to get traded.

 

[thecatch]

Kyrie to Houston maybe?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I think Ja to Miami is almost inevitable, no?

 

[Juxtatarot]

@thecatch Some Sacramento radio guy named Carmichael Dave (that can't be his real name, right?) is reporting that the Kings are about to start a multi-year modern style rebuild and will look to trade LaVine, DeRozan, Sabonis, and Monk among others. Keepers seem to be Murray, Ellis and Clifford. Nobody else seems to be reporting this. Is this guy credible?

 

[thecatch]

@thecatch Some Sacramento radio guy named Carmichael Dave (that can't be his real name, right?) is reporting that the Kings are about to start a multi-year modern style rebuild and will look to trade LaVine, DeRozan, Sabonis, and Monk among others. Keepers seem to be Murray, Ellis and Clifford. Nobody else seems to be reporting this. Is this guy credible?

He presented that as his opinion during his radio show, he didn't "report" it. But he's very plugged in with the team so I think people are fairly assuming that he heard this from someone. Zach Lowe said he'd heard the same thing on his podcast yesterday.

 

[Juxtatarot]

@thecatch Some Sacramento radio guy named Carmichael Dave (that can't be his real name, right?) is reporting that the Kings are about to start a multi-year modern style rebuild and will look to trade LaVine, DeRozan, Sabonis, and Monk among others. Keepers seem to be Murray, Ellis and Clifford. Nobody else seems to be reporting this. Is this guy credible?

He presented that as his opinion during his radio show, he didn't "report" it. But he's very plugged in with the team so I think people are fairly assuming that he heard this from someone. Zach Lowe said he'd heard the same thing on his podcast yesterday.

I listened to some of it. You're right, "report" was probably the wrong word. He did suggest that it was more than just a personal opinion. I guess that's what I was curious about -- how plugged in he might be.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

@thecatch Some Sacramento radio guy named Carmichael Dave (that can't be his real name, right?) is reporting that the Kings are about to start a multi-year modern style rebuild and will look to trade LaVine, DeRozan, Sabonis, and Monk among others. Keepers seem to be Murray, Ellis and Clifford. Nobody else seems to be reporting this. Is this guy credible?

He presented that as his opinion during his radio show, he didn't "report" it. But he's very plugged in with the team so I think people are fairly assuming that he heard this from someone. Zach Lowe said he'd heard the same thing on his podcast yesterday.

I think Dave is from the city/town of Carmichael.

 

[the moops]

A Ja for LaMelo straight up trade would be incredible

 

[Sammy3469]

A Ja for LaMelo straight up trade would be incredible

I'm not sure who I dislike that trade more for.

Just an incredible pu pu platter of guys who all seem to currently be good stats, bad team guys. Pretty sure everyone will be back to their healthy, winning ways with a change of scenery.

 

[Yo Mama]

Wow, Bradley Beal’s season is over with a broken hip. Wonder if the Clippers wish they kept Norm Powell.

 

[msudaisy26]

@thecatch Some Sacramento radio guy named Carmichael Dave (that can't be his real name, right?) is reporting that the Kings are about to start a multi-year modern style rebuild and will look to trade LaVine, DeRozan, Sabonis, and Monk among others. Keepers seem to be Murray, Ellis and Clifford. Nobody else seems to be reporting this. Is this guy credible?

It is needed and should happen. It kind of sucks too, the light the beam Kings were fun and I never thought they were a legit title contending type of team, I thought they could have been the Blazers with Lillard or the Clippers with Paul type of team.

 

[msudaisy26]

Wow, Bradley Beal’s season is over with a broken hip. Wonder if the Clippers wish they kept Norm Powell.

It is sad, but probably the most fitting injury for the oldest team in NBA history.

 

[mr. furley]

Ja Morant + Brandon Clarke
For
Anthony Davis

Works in the trade machine.

I can't think of a worse player than Morant to kick off a rebuild.

I pay zero attention to contracts and the like so this is maybe (probably?) a dumb comment but I’d take him over Trae Young.

was wondering earlier today, do Atlanta fans embrace Trae Young? is he popular there?

 

[Sammy3469]

Wow, Bradley Beal’s season is over with a broken hip. Wonder if the Clippers wish they kept Norm Powell.

It is sad, but probably the most fitting injury for the oldest team in NBA history.

Once these guys pass 30 and start breaking down, its just one thing after another. That's a pretty bad injury though.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Wow, Bradley Beal’s season is over with a broken hip. Wonder if the Clippers wish they kept Norm Powell.

It is sad, but probably the most fitting injury for the oldest team in NBA history.

Once these guys pass 30 and start breaking down, its just one thing after another. That's a pretty bad injury though.

Speaking of which -- not a soul even mentions Paul George in Philly.

 

[Sammy3469]

Wow, Bradley Beal’s season is over with a broken hip. Wonder if the Clippers wish they kept Norm Powell.

It is sad, but probably the most fitting injury for the oldest team in NBA history.

Once these guys pass 30 and start breaking down, its just one thing after another. That's a pretty bad injury though.

Speaking of which -- not a soul even mentions Paul George in Philly.

I thought about AD for him. Seems like a Morey type move.

 

[the moops]

Ja Morant + Brandon Clarke
For
Anthony Davis

Works in the trade machine.

I can't think of a worse player than Morant to kick off a rebuild.

I pay zero attention to contracts and the like so this is maybe (probably?) a dumb comment but I’d take him over Trae Young.

was wondering earlier today, do Atlanta fans embrace Trae Young? is he popular there?

I can't imagine so. He is an incredible player and fun to watch but I can't imagine any scenario where he is the best or 2nd best player on a championship team

 

[msudaisy26]

I am not sure what to do. The Pistons sat everyone and still won. That is what teans did to us two years ago.

 

[General Malaise]

There are 76 people in New Orleans to watch this game. Relocate this team immediately.

 

[Moe.]

it’s Kon Knueppel’s league now

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

I am not sure what to do. The Pistons sat everyone and still won. That is what teans did to us two years ago

The Bulls hung tough without Giddey but Detroit had the immortal and unstoppable duo of Paul Reed and Duncan Robinson, so they didn't have a chance.

 

[Moe.]

What a pleasurable night of basketball, you guys should really try having your team be better than all of the other teams

 

[AAABatteries]

Ja Morant + Brandon Clarke
For
Anthony Davis

Works in the trade machine.

I can't think of a worse player than Morant to kick off a rebuild.

I pay zero attention to contracts and the like so this is maybe (probably?) a dumb comment but I’d take him over Trae Young.

was wondering earlier today, do Atlanta fans embrace Trae Young? is he popular there?

Atlanta is such a weird sports city.

• Lots of transplants
• college sports are bigger than pro sports.
• Larger black population than white in the city - but the teams outside the Braves have sucked for decades. The biggest known stars over the years have been white and mostly Braves players.
• The city in general and especially in the AA community have been starved of star players that we can call our own. Dominique was the closest we had until Vick.
• It’s hard to explain how big Vick was here because he was legit the first guy that we had that seemed like a superstar- that whole saga really deflated the sports community
• Other than that most of the other guys have been fringe all-star guys for a season or two.

So, to now answer your question. Trae came in and the city embraced him even though several of us hated they traded Luca to get him (and obviously it was a stupid decision - not Nico-level stupid but still stupid). But he came in and put on a show - similar to Nique. But it’s clear you can never win anything with him as your centerpiece. He hasn’t done anything wrong and people still love to watch him play because he is entertaining. But as a life long fan who wants to win I just wish he’d go away - he’s incapable of changing his game and his size is always going to be a huge liability on defense which I’m assuming is why he barely tries. He takes horrible 3’s all the time.

It’s no coincidence they’ve looked better and won more since he’s been out.

 

[thecatch]

If losing by 40 to the Hawks at home doesn’t convince Vivek to embrace the tank, nothing will.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Wemby and Castle both go for triple doubles

And they lose

 

[Jayrod]

What a pleasurable night of basketball, you guys should really try having your team be better than all of the other teams

Been there, done that.

Now I'm on to the joys of rebuilding and not seeing my team play at all because they are rarely on a national broadcast.

 

[Kev4029]

If losing by 40 to the Hawks at home doesn’t convince Vivek to embrace the tank, nothing will.

I would be very interested to see them tear it all down, if only for the reason that I have no idea what they could get for anybody.

• Sabonis and his trade value has been well discussed here. Quietly, the Kings have been MUCH (like 20 pp100) better with Eubanks on the floor - I haven't heard any talk of this though. After watchin them play the Nuggets twice in ~a week, it really stood out to me so I looked up if it was a season trend. It very much is. I think they are probably better just hanging on to him to have a crowd favorite.
• LaVine has been quietly kind of great on an individual level for the last two seasons (.642 TS%, .443 3pt%, 23.4 ppg). He would have a very good market if he didn't make $47.5m.
• Schroder has been off to a terrible start but is probably positive value on his contract.
• DeRozan, much like Sabonis, probably has a couple teams that value him significantly more than the rest of the league. I wouldn't be surprised if somebody desperate for reliable offense gave up a bad 1st.
• Monk is playing well enough but a little overpaid for a 6th man. Positive value but not 1st round positive.
• By far their best asset is Keegan Murray but they just overpaid him. With his extension, they probably couldn't trade him until the offseason when the poison pill ends.

I think their best bet would be to exchange some of their decent players for bad salary to get extra value. The issue being there that most of the bad salary is on teams that aren't good enough to pay to dump salary (Wizards, Blazers, Pels, Chicago). The only awful contract that seems to make sense on some level would be Paul George.

 

[SWC]

bucks rest anteater and lose by 11 to the hornets i hate losing to miles bridges becuase he is a bad human take that to the bank brochachos

 

[thecatch]

If losing by 40 to the Hawks at home doesn’t convince Vivek to embrace the tank, nothing will.

I would be very interested to see them tear it all down, if only for the reason that I have no idea what they could get for anybody.

• Sabonis and his trade value has been well discussed here. Quietly, the Kings have been MUCH (like 20 pp100) better with Eubanks on the floor - I haven't heard any talk of this though. After watchin them play the Nuggets twice in ~a week, it really stood out to me so I looked up if it was a season trend. It very much is. I think they are probably better just hanging on to him to have a crowd favorite.
• LaVine has been quietly kind of great on an individual level for the last two seasons (.642 TS%, .443 3pt%, 23.4 ppg). He would have a very good market if he didn't make $47.5m.
• Schroder has been off to a terrible start but is probably positive value on his contract.
• DeRozan, much like Sabonis, probably has a couple teams that value him significantly more than the rest of the league. I wouldn't be surprised if somebody desperate for reliable offense gave up a bad 1st.
• Monk is playing well enough but a little overpaid for a 6th man. Positive value but not 1st round positive.
• By far their best asset is Keegan Murray but they just overpaid him. With his extension, they probably couldn't trade him until the offseason when the poison pill ends.

I think their best bet would be to exchange some of their decent players for bad salary to get extra value. The issue being there that most of the bad salary is on teams that aren't good enough to pay to dump salary (Wizards, Blazers, Pels, Chicago). The only awful contract that seems to make sense on some level would be Paul George.

I'd settle for dumping most of these guys for short term salary flotsam and maybe a couple second draft guys that might have some upside. The important thing is that they commit to winning <20 games and get a chance at one of these potential superstars in the draft. Keegan is on a good deal and is young enough to be part of a hypothetical post-rebuild team. As for Sabonis, I've posted a million times in here that they have built the worst possible roster for his skillset. He's going to look awful this year and it's hard to imagine him having any real market. Keon Ellis is their best asset and good teams should be calling every day about him given that he's apparently in Christie's doghouse.

 

[Kev4029]

Jokic is probably playing the best offensive basketball of just about any 11 game stretch of anybody ever - He is averaging 28.8/13.1/10.9 on .773 TS% so far this year. He has a WS/48 of .468 (the season record is .340), PER of 39.4 (record is 32.9), and BPM of 20.8 (record of 13.72) - even that TS% is 4% higher than anybody ever.

 

[Desert_Power]

A Ja for LaMelo straight up trade would be incredible

I'm not sure who I dislike that trade more for.

Just an incredible pu pu platter of guys who all seem to currently be good stats, bad team guys. Pretty sure everyone will be back to their healthy, winning ways with a change of scenery.

I don't get the impression Lamelo is a bad team guy. Nor does he seem like a leader though. Still seems like an immature clown off the court but his issue is the health.

Charlotte should listen to offers but not sure what the market is.

 

[Kev4029]

If losing by 40 to the Hawks at home doesn’t convince Vivek to embrace the tank, nothing will.

I would be very interested to see them tear it all down, if only for the reason that I have no idea what they could get for anybody.

• Sabonis and his trade value has been well discussed here. Quietly, the Kings have been MUCH (like 20 pp100) better with Eubanks on the floor - I haven't heard any talk of this though. After watchin them play the Nuggets twice in ~a week, it really stood out to me so I looked up if it was a season trend. It very much is. I think they are probably better just hanging on to him to have a crowd favorite.
• LaVine has been quietly kind of great on an individual level for the last two seasons (.642 TS%, .443 3pt%, 23.4 ppg). He would have a very good market if he didn't make $47.5m.
• Schroder has been off to a terrible start but is probably positive value on his contract.
• DeRozan, much like Sabonis, probably has a couple teams that value him significantly more than the rest of the league. I wouldn't be surprised if somebody desperate for reliable offense gave up a bad 1st.
• Monk is playing well enough but a little overpaid for a 6th man. Positive value but not 1st round positive.
• By far their best asset is Keegan Murray but they just overpaid him. With his extension, they probably couldn't trade him until the offseason when the poison pill ends.

I think their best bet would be to exchange some of their decent players for bad salary to get extra value. The issue being there that most of the bad salary is on teams that aren't good enough to pay to dump salary (Wizards, Blazers, Pels, Chicago). The only awful contract that seems to make sense on some level would be Paul George.

I'd settle for dumping most of these guys for short term salary flotsam and maybe a couple second draft guys that might have some upside. The important thing is that they commit to winning <20 games and get a chance at one of these potential superstars in the draft. Keegan is on a good deal and is young enough to be part of a hypothetical post-rebuild team. As for Sabonis, I've posted a million times in here that they have built the worst possible roster for his skillset. He's going to look awful this year and it's hard to imagine him having any real market. Keon Ellis is their best asset and good teams should be calling every day about him given that he's apparently in Christie's doghouse.

Westbrook has been playing well for them, but the Kings signing him when they have so many guards on roster was such a dumb move. They have a handful of guys that, in an ideal world, would be great fits around Sabonis like Carter and Ellis, but instead they are playing a 37 year old Westbrook (happy birthday yesterday). Also, fun note, Basketball Reference has Westbrook listed as a SF this year with 79% of his time at SF and 17% at PF.

 

[Jayrod]

Jokic is probably playing the best offensive basketball of just about any 11 game stretch of anybody ever - He is averaging 28.8/13.1/10.9 on .773 TS% so far this year. He has a WS/48 of .468 (the season record is .340), PER of 39.4 (record is 32.9), and BPM of 20.8 (record of 13.72) - even that TS% is 4% higher than anybody ever.

Another MVP or championship and he enters the upper echelon among Magic/Bird/Wilt/Russell/Duncan. He's already one of the greatest offensive players of all time.