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