3. New Orleans Pelicans
Potential tradable assets: Brandon Ingram, Devonte’ Graham, Jaxson Hayes, Dyson Daniels, Kira Lewis Jr., Herbert Jones, Jose Alvarado, multiple first-round picks, pick swaps
If the New Orleans Pelicans wanted a shortcut in getting to the top of the Western Conference, acquiring Kevin Durant would probably do the trick. And there’s no question that they have the necessary assets to get it done.
The Pelicans don’t just have multiple first-round picks at their disposal, but they have five first-round picks over the next two drafts. That could prove to be extremely valuable, especially if the Nets want to make a quick retooling.
I’m not sure if New Orleans would be able to sell Durant on playing for the Pelicans, next to Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, but this is a team that could make other teams sweat in a potential all-out pursuit of KD.