As the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline nears, the Pelicans are one of the many teams that will look to make improvements around the edges of its roster.
New Orleans is in the market for a center, according to long-time NBA reporter Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson.
“The Pelicans aren’t looking to make a huge splash but they’re looking for a rim-protector” Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson relayed on a recent appearance on 106.7 The Fan.
Robinson names Wizards center Daniel Gafford as someone who fits the mold while also mentioning the Thunder as a possibility for the center. However, the Knicks may ultimately be the team that lands the big man.
“The Knicks are have had interest in Gafford for some time. There are some other teams out there but the Knicks are a name that I hear quite a bit,” Robinson explained.
New York Knicks aren’t the only suitor of Washington Wizards big man, Daniel Gafford, I’m hearing.
The New Orleans Pelicans who are in the market for a big man are eyeing Gafford too.
In 36 starts this season, Gafford, 25, is averaging 10.4 points, 7.6 rebounds & 2.1 blocks. https://t.co/kn6WcTaBXc pic.twitter.com/i6ogegn5p6
— ???? Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) January 23, 2024
Gafford arrived in Washington during the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline and as we wrote in our 2024 Wizards NBA Trade Deadline Preview, no current Wizards has played more games for the franchise than the 25-year-old big man.
Conflicting Lakers Trade Rumors
On Monday, it was reported that the Lakers and Hawks reportedly had the framework of a deal in place to send Dejounte Murray to Los Angeles for a package that included the Lakers’ 2029 first-round pick ahead of the 2024 Trade Deadline (the deal was reportedly contingent on finding a third team for D’Angelo Russell).
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin relayed that the franchise has internally discussed packaging three first-rounders for an All-Star, such as Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young.
The latest scenario would have to wait until after the 2024 NBA Draft—when the Lakers can draft trade picks further into the future—and dealing away their 2029 first-rounder for Murray at the deadline would leave the Lakers with fewer than three first-rounders when the offseason arrives.
Whether or not there’s validity behind the rumored Murray deal (and trade that sends out their 2029 pick), Los Angeles remains a candidate to add a point guard ahead of the deadline.
McMenamin names Jazz/former Cavalier guard Collin Sexton as a player who has been internally discussed by the Lakers. Multiple reporters, including McMenamin and Robinson, have mentioned Wizards guard Tyus Jones as a possibility for LeBron James‘ squad.
As we await to see what Lakers trade rumors are released next, stay tuned to FortyEightMinutes on X.
More on the NBA
- The Heat traded Kyle Lowry for Terry Rozier in what was the fourth trade of this NBA season. We rounded up immediate X reactions to Miami’s deal.
- Bryan Toporek of Liberty Ballers breaks down why the Sixers may be best positioned to sign Lowry if he agreed to a buyout with the Hornets. New CBA rules dictate that teams over the first luxury-tax cap apron are not permitted to sign players on the buyout market who are coming off of contracts over the taxpayer mid-level exception (roughly $12.4 million). The Celtics and Bucks are among the teams that have spent that far into the luxury tax, though the Sixers are not.
- Not a trade but former Sixers coach Doc Rivers is rumored to be under strong consideration for the Bucks’ open head coaching position. Milwaukee recently relieved Adrian Griffin of his duties.
