NBA Trade Rumors: In addition to their interest in Jahlil Okafor, the New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly interested in Brook Lopez
Trade season is here.
It’s been reported that the New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers are in advanced trade discussions centered around Jahlil Okafor. A proposed deal could involve Alexis Ajinca or Omer Asik and a first-round pick, perhaps this year’s, in exchange for Jahlil Okafor. The hold up, however, could be on the amount of protection applied to said first-round pick.
However, according to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Okafor isn’t the only center that the Pelicans have been sniffing at.
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Per Woj, the Pelicans have been engaged on several fronts in their attempt to land a new frontcourt mate for Anthony Davis, one which that includes Brooklyn’s Brook Lopez.
"[via The Vertical]New Orleans has been engaged on several fronts to land a center, including pursuit of Brooklyn’s Brook Lopez, sources tell @TheVertical."
This piece of information falls in line with what many are reporting, which is that the Pelicans have been eyeing an offensive center to stick next to Anthony Davis. Lopez, even with his up and down performances, would equate to a substantial offensive threat to start next to Davis.
Lopez is averaging 20 points and five rebounds per game this season. However, he’s shooting a career-worst 47 percent from the field. In fairness, that’s probably due to the fact that he’s shooting a ton more three-pointers this season.
He’s averaging five attempted per game – last season he averaged 0.2 attempted per contest. Lopez is shooting the deep ball at a solid 34 percent clip.
Must Read: Pelicans Eyeing Jahlil Okafor In Trade Talks
While Lopez might not be the perfect fit to slide next to Anthony Davis, he actually would be a better fit than Okafor would be for the Pelicans, even though he’s a lot older.