The pelicans get off bi into a much better fit with Laurie. Giving up swaps and picks hurt but it moves the needle 💉 Only question 🙋 is can pelicans get Kessler as well? Maybe 🤔
Pelicans can afford to pay Laurie after dumping bi. Jazz have the cap to absorb such a deal so it’s really more about picks. Jazz can resign bi in better team friendly terms or let him walk. They can go very young with the amount of 2025 picks. There is protections but jazz really just want in the top 3 so bucks pick could do that.
All about the odds for the future for jazz . Keeping Laurie isn’t really going to matter as he will get paid and stay. Jazz just want to pick in the top 4 next year as many times as possible.
Also like 2026 draft so swaps help improve odds. Not all picks are equal so increasing the odds and position matters if wanting top talent