Financials(Before Moves)
Total Salary: $152.3M
Cap Space: $-11.3M
Trade Candidates: Brandon Ingram, Jordan Hawkins and Picks
Targets: Jimmy Butler
Trades:
Team 1 - Miami Heat
Heat Receive:
Brandon Ingram
Jordan Hawkins
2024 FRP - 21ST
2025 Frp - NOP
2028 Frp - NOP
Team 2 - Pelicans
Pelicans Recieve:
Jimmy Butler
NBA Draft
Select C Kel El Ware With #17 Pick: Projected Salary - $4.6M
Total Salary (Including all Parts)
Total Salary: $167.5M
Luxury Tax: $2.5M Over
First Apron: $5.5M Under
Second Apron: $15.0M Under
Lineup After All Moves:
PG: Dejounte Murray
Sg: Marcus Smart
Sf: Jimmy Butler
Pf: Zion Williamson
C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Bench:
Pg: Malcolm Brogdon
Sg: Jose Alvarado
Sf: Trey Murphy
Pf: Herb Jones
C: Isiah Stewart
Explantion
The Situation in Miami is nothing short of being horrible. Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley are not seeing eye to eye and with multiple rumors coming out about Jimmys future in Miami a trade may or may not happen. In this hypothetical scenario Jimmy is sent to Nola for Brandon Ingram and Jordan Hawkins. Brandon Ingram is an excellent defender who ahs the ability to score himself or playmake for his teammates. Miami is a great offensive team but they dont have a true ball handler. BI comes in and changes that up. They also gets Jordan Hawkins to come off the bench and provide excellent defence. They also get the 21st pick in this draft class which would allow them to get a power foward in the draft such as Tyler Smith.
Explanation 2
The New Orleans Pelicans are have gotten swept by OKC and drastic changes need to be made. Zion has had injury concerns in the past and to be completely honest, it's not getting better. Without Zion, the Pelicans' roster is not reliable and is inconsistent. In fact, the New Orleans Pelicans have an 89-117 record without Zion Williamson all-time. He is crucial to that team, and they need to build around him. By trading for Jimmy Butler, they get an experienced veteran who has had a ton of postseason success in the NBA. Whether making the finals as a play-in team or hitting the clutch 3-point shot, he definitely turns his game on in the postseason. Adding Butler would provide the Pelicans with the leadership, consistency, and defensive prowess they desperately need, creating a more balanced and formidable team that can better support Zion and make a deeper playoff run.
Jimmy Butler's addition would not only elevate the team's performance but also instill a winning mentality. Known for his relentless work ethic and competitiveness, Butler's presence would push the young Pelicans roster to develop a stronger, more resilient mindset. His ability to perform under pressure and his knack for clutch plays would be invaluable during critical moments in games, something the Pelicans have struggled with in recent seasons. Butler’s influence on both ends of the floor would complement Zion’s explosive offensive game, creating a dynamic duo capable of challenging any team in the league.
Moreover, Butler’s defensive skills would address one of the Pelicans' significant weaknesses. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions effectively, providing the team with much-needed defensive stability. This trade would also allow the Pelicans to maintain offensive fluidity while bolstering their defensive capabilities, making them a more well-rounded team.
Trading Brandon Ingram and Jordan Hawkins for Butler is a bold move, but it signifies the Pelicans' commitment to winning now. Ingram is a talented scorer, but Butler’s proven track record in high-stakes situations offers a different caliber of impact. With Butler on board, the Pelicans can look forward to a season with higher aspirations, transforming into a team that not only competes but also contends at the highest levels of the NBA.
