Pelicans get:
PF Lauri Markkenen
C Walker Kessler
PF John Collins
Rockets get:
SF Brandon Ingram
Jazz get:
SF Trey Murphy III
SG Jalen Green
C Steven Adams
2025 MIL FRP
2025 HOU FRP
2026 NO FRP
2029 NO FRP
Why the Pelicans do this:
By adding Lauri, they instantly make themselves Finals contenders and are now one of the favorites to win the West. They also fill their biggest need, which is a center, with a young center that fits their scheme in Walker Kessler. They also add depth behind Zion in John Collins, which means the team will remain afloat even if something happens to Zion.
Why the Rockets do this:
If they want to make noise this year, then they need to add a win-now star. Ingram is one of the most obtainable, and he’s an awesome fit in Houston. With this addition, the Rockets suddenly look like a team that could make noise this year.
Why the Jazz do this:
They get a haul for Lauri in this scenario. They get 2 young guys to build around in Jalen Green and TM3, both of whom fit Keyonte George and Taylor Hendricks’s timeline. They also get a total of 4 FRPs.
Pelicans Lineup:
Starters:
PG: Dejounte Murray
PF: Zion Williamson
SG: Herb Jones
SF: Lauri Markkenen
C: Walker Kessler
Backup 5:
PG: Jose Alvorado
PF: John Collins
SG: CJ McCollum
SF: Jordan Hawkins
C: Yves Missi
Rockets Lineup:
Starters:
PG: FVV
PF: Jabari Smith Jr
SG: Reed Sheppard
SF: Brandon Ingram
C: Alperen Sengun
Backup 5:
PG: Amen Thompson
PF: Tari Eason
SG: Dillon Brooks
SF: Cam Whitmore
C: Jock Landale
Jazz Lineup:
Starters:
PG: Keyonte George
PF: Taylor Hendricks
SG: Jalen Green
SF: Trey Murphy III
C: Steven Adams
Backup 5:
PG: Isaiah Collier
PF: Brice Sensabaugh
SG: Collin Sexton
SF: Cody Williams
C: Darius Bazley