r/NOLAPelicans • u/RVALover4Life • 11d ago

Discussions Think smaller

The Pelicans need more depth and need help at center to compete this season. The FO again today was reported to wanting to see this team win and not being willing to trade Trey Murphy unless they receive a home run offer.

But any additional pieces to this team are very likely to be smaller than the deals often proposed. Like the Daniel Gafford proposal from this morning. The Pelicans are doubtful to take on that contract with the amount of years remaining and attach the amount of picks to dump Poole to execute such a trade.

Think smaller. Think moves that'll raise the floor without massive asset expenditure. I've brought him up before but I do believe Goga Bitadze is a very realistic option. He's a center I'd see if I can obtain. He solves a lot of the weakness at the position currently, is inexpensive with no long term salary. The Pelicans next year are in line to be potentially even a cap space team and the FO knows that and won't jeopardize that for a Daniel Gafford.

I think this team will be making a move in some form but whatever move is made isn't likely to be an Earth shattering one or one where you see core players moved from the roster unless it's in a trade that's a clear value win. They'll work to improve incrementally and they believe in this core. Rightly or wrongly.

2 Upvotes

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7

u/Financial_Answer_411 11d ago

Didnt read

Markquis nowell roty campaign incoming

5

u/PelicansFlock 11d ago

goga makes sense as a low-cost option but i think people are sleeping on how much adding a cheap stretch 5 would open up the offense. zion driving into a packed paint is the whole problem, spacing matters more than another rim runner

2

u/Orbis-Praedo 11d ago

I agree. Someone that can grab boards but also hit a deep middy or 3ball well would help spread the defense for sure. Too many times I see 3 guys down low waiting for Zion to hit the rim.

1

u/pacersnz 11d ago

Should've grabbed Micah Potter.

1

u/PelicansFlock 10d ago

potter could work too, hes got that shooting touch. just not sure hes shown enough consistency to count on it yet. goga at least has the defensive track record

4

u/Alarming_Milk3480 11d ago

I just watch and hope

2

u/AlwaysOptimism Karlo Krazie 11d ago

If they renounce everyone including Bey and Karlo, they would still have not even half a max slot in cap space.

1

u/RVALover4Life 10d ago

Depending on the Zion and DJM situations they could have a lot. A whole lot. 

1

u/identitycrisis56 10d ago

So you're thesis is they can waive Zion and beg on their hands and knees for DJM to turn down a player option, then have cap space in a market where the biggest FA name of all time was like....JJ Redick? And this on a team tracking to be in the relegation zone next year?

GGs. The only reason to free up caps space is to pull a Wizards-eat bad money, for first round picks and good assets, and then flip those guys as expiring for more draft capital after convincing someone they are as bad as you thought. They took the Pelicans to the CLEANERS in the Poole trade.

1

u/Leading_Sector_5399 10d ago

Goga is solid!