Magic/Pelicans trade

[Palooka81]

Pelicans acquire:

Lonzo Ball
Washington Wizards 2nd rd pick (2024)

Orlando pays Balls salary this season only.

Magic give up a 2nd rd pick to get out from Balls 15m salary next season. We would have released him after the deadline to get 50% relief and felt giving up the pick was worth the additional salary relief. 

Pelicans to confirm.

[Zklizlolsb96]

Pelicans accept. Just read Ball is pain-free after the latest surgery and with the way free agent prices are in this league, felt it was worth the gamble for his upside

[Laimbeer40]

Fellas, all trades have to have both sides receiving something.

Can I suggest NOLA send C Nerlens Noel and ORL can waive him for free?

[Palooka81]

Fellas, all trades have to have both sides receiving something.

Can I suggest NOLA send C Nerlens Noel and ORL can waive him for free?

I figured receiving salary relief from a contract i don't want is considered receiving something ?.

I'll get with Pelicans and see what he wants to do.

[Palooka81]

Pelicans agrees to send Nerlens Noel to Magic.

Magic would like to waive Nerlens.

Pelicans to confirm.

[Zklizlolsb96]

Pelicans accept

[Laimbeer40]

Good deal guys. Will process tonight.

[Laimbeer40]

Analysis:

Lonzo is ranked as the 219th dynasty asset right now. With a salary over $15m that is a big gamble. Reports say he is healthy. Who knows the re-injury risk. This could be a huge steal for the Pels. This offer was out there for anyone to grab and props to them for hopping on it. Orlando is more risk averse in their re-tooling and felt that $15m would be better spent elsewhere next season. I like the deal for both parties and I think it's a clear pass. Impossible to veto this given the risk.