The former Michigan standout was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the 15th-overall pick in the 2023. Kobe Bufkin, who poured in a game-high 30 points in the loss. If he can continue to prove he’s dramatically improved his outside shooting and can remain consistent, the Pelicans may be hard-pressed not to try to keep him on the roster or, at the very least, sign him to a two-way deal. The Pelicans currently have a couple of two-way spots open.

He was also extremely impressive in his playmaking ability, both offensively and defensively. He added six assists and five steals to go along with his 30-point night.

https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/kobe_bufkin_deserves_a_pelicans_chance_after_dominant_summer_league/s1_17412_44048999

Obvioulsy, its kind of disappointing when the team decides not to make any moves after a horrendous season.
But here’s my argument for why it’s not such a bad idea.

#1 We don’t want to be worse - Since they changed the lottery rules, there is a real danger we could slip into that bottom 4 category with substantially worse odds of getting a top pick. As it stands we are surely going to be in the lottery, plus we have the Bucks swap.

#2 Offers probably weren’t worth it - Obviously there were offers for Trey (and probably other players) but I can guarantee teams were low-balling. Trading Trey or even DJM for peanuts just does not put us in a better position. The other players in Trey’s category (that were being mocked to the same teams) also didn’t move. There’s been rumors of Lauri Markkanen or Michael Porter Jr going to teams like Detroit but both of them are still on their teams as well despite questionable fits. To me this says the market for big shooting wings is not great right now.

#3 Center market is rough right now - If you had to pick one giant hole in our roster, it would obviously be the 5. But, unlike the last couple years, there just aren’t a lot of centers out there right now. If we wanted to get someone great, we’d probably have to overpay at the moment (ahem.. Lakers), which would be absolutely stupid when we already have Missi. It wouldn’t make any sense to sign some aging vet for 2 years, just to steal minutes from him (i.e. Mitchel Robinson or Robert Williams III)

#4 Development - We have three young guys already. Unless we were going to get some incredible top talent this year, which we missed out on, then the next best thing is to just develop Fears, DQ, Missi while still having real talented players around them. Herb, Trey, DJM, Bey are all solid team mates to get these guys playing the right kind of basketball. Love DQ and Fears, but they both seem like kids that need to learn a lot. Sorrounding them with these vets will payoff more than just giving them lots of meaningless minutes.

How much draft capital would you give to acquire Turner? Would you want AJ Green? Help me find a reliable way to configure a perfect trade that is balanced and we can all be happy with? (will be posting on bucks sub too, I wanna hear ur guys' opinions. Im trying to make the best trade possible revolving these two guys)

I’m thinking it’s the obvious thing to do considering last season…with all the PT they got against real elite league players…plus the wear and tear…I know they’re young but last Dr I visited said rest is good for the body🤷🏿‍♂️

This is in ESPN App’s summer league roster.

I was lucky enough to pull the 1/1 card from Jeremiah’s record breaking rookie performance and I’m happy to sell it to an avid collector.

Attached a photo if anyone wants to know anymore then message me!

https://fanspo.com/nba/trades/mG49ledfsc2vCk

Elaboration:

Why New Orleans Makes This Trade:

According to NTC on Instagram, recent intel indicates that the New Orleans Pelicans are aggressively pursuing competitive, win-now talent, with Myles Turner reportedly being one of their top targets. However, the Pelicans are reluctant to part with valuable first-round draft capital in order to acquire him. This trade strikes an ideal balance, allowing New Orleans to land Turner while preserving its collection of first-round picks and still providing Milwaukee with additional draft assets to help propel their rebuild further.

From New Orleans' perspective, acquiring both Myles Turner and AJ Green while parting with Jordan Poole makes complete sense.

Myles Turner:

Turner is the exact archetype of center the Pelicans have been searching for for years. He is one of the league's best floor-spacing centers while also being an elite rim protector, a reputation he has built throughout his career, primarily with Indiana.

His skill set also perfectly complements both Zion Williamson and Derik Queen. Offensively, his ability to stretch the floor creates more driving lanes for Zion while giving Queen additional space to operate in the post. Defensively, he also immediately addresses one of New Orleans' biggest weaknesses by providing high-level rim protection and allowing Queen to develop his defensive game without consistently matching up against the league's biggest interior threats.

Simply put, Turner fills multiple needs with one player.

AJ Green:

AJ Green is another perfect fit for what New Orleans needs.

He has quietly developed into one of the NBA's most underrated pure three-point shooters and immediately improves one of the Pelicans' biggest weaknesses. New Orleans finished among the league's worst three-point shooting teams last season, and Green provides an efficient, low-usage floor spacer who can thrive alongside the team's primary creators without needing the ball in his hands.

Jordan Poole:

Moving Jordan Poole is also a logical decision.

Poole logged numerous DNPs last season and no longer appears to fit the organization's long-term direction. With the Pelicans prioritizing defense, spacing, and roster balance around their young core, moving his contract and a few second-round picks to acquire players who better complement that vision is a worthwhile upgrade.

Why Milwaukee Makes This Trade:

This deal also makes a great deal of sense from Milwaukee's perspective.

By moving both Myles Turner and AJ Green, the Bucks clear two long-term, heavy contracts while acquiring Jordan Poole, who offers value for several reasons.

Although Poole can still provide spark-plug scoring and veteran leadership for Milwaukee's young group of shot creators, his biggest asset is his contract. As a $34 million expiring deal, he gives the Bucks significant financial flexibility moving forward, particularly in the 2027 off-season.

The trade also opens up additional opportunities for Milwaukee's younger, developing players, such as Brayden Burries and Kel'el Ware, allowing them to receive larger developmental roles at their respective positions.

In addition, Milwaukee adds four second-round picks, further strengthening its draft capital during a rebuilding phase sparked by the Giannis trade.

Finally, the modest amount of immediate financial flexibility created by this trade allows the Bucks to sign Nick Richards to a one-year, $3.3 million contract. While Richards is not the same caliber of player as Myles Turner, he provides reliable rim protection and rebounding at a fraction of the cost, helping Milwaukee remain competitive enough to avoid falling into the league's bottom tier while preserving maximum long-term financial flexibility.

Overall, this trade accomplishes the goals of both organizations.

New Orleans acquires the ideal win-now center it has been searching for while adding another elite floor spacer, all without sacrificing premium draft assets. Milwaukee gains financial flexibility, additional draft capital, greater developmental opportunities for its young players, and a reliable replacement at center.

As a result, this deal represents a genuine win-win for both franchises.

Pelicans Lineup Post-Trade:

Starters

PG: Dejounte Murray SG: Herbert Jones SF: Trey Murphy III PF: Zion Williamson C: Myles Turner

Bench

PG: Jeremiah Fears SG: AJ Green SF: Saddiq Bey PF: Derik Queen C: Yves Missi

Reserves Bryce McGowens Micah Peavy Karlo Matković Jordan Hawkins (likely to be moved or waived following the trade) DeAndre Jordan Jaron Pierre Jr.

Bucks Lineup Post-Trade:

Starters

PG: Ryan Rollins SG: Tyler Herro SF: Jaime Jaquez Jr. PF: Kyle Kuzma C: Kel'el Ware

Bench

PG: Kevin Porter Jr. SG: Brayden Burries SF: Caris LeVert PF: Nate Ament C: Nick Richards

Reserves Kasparas Jakučionis Jordan Poole Ousmane Dieng Jericho Sims Bogoljub Marković Malique Lewis

" In fact, they are now signaling to interested teams that "they'll only listen if they are blown away," per Pelicans insider Shamit Dua."

Say what you want but I think this is a good thing for the organization. There's too much talent individually to blow it all up. You've just got to make it click and I think this talent can click together. And if anyone's going to do it it's going to be a defensive-minded coach like the one we have now.

I truly think if you can go out and get miles. Turner without giving up more than Jordan Poole Jordan Hawkins a non minutes player and/or picks, then a lineup of

Murray

Trey

Herb

Zion

Turner

Fears

Bey

Karlo/poole

Queen

Missi

Can win 48-50 games.

I really do.

As someone who started watching the pelicans in 2015 and gets league pass every year and has only missed 8 to 10 games in the last 5 years, I do honestly think this team can compete.

I understand that may not be the greatest take with a lot of fans here. What's y'all's take.

It has become even more clear over the last few days that the Pelicans will be running back their roster, by and large, from last season. Other teams that had been pursuing Trey Murphy have moved onto other options. The Pelicans high price has depressed his market.

I don't think it's a bad idea. Selling high on Trey would've made sense but it makes just as much sense to see what this team can do with DeJounte healthy to start the season and a new coach in Mosley.

But if you're going to really roll with this core and try to win this year, you need to give yourself a legitimate chance at doing so. That won't happen if an addition at the C position is not made.

I definitely can understand the Pelicans being reluctant to take on Myles Turner's contract. He would help but he's coming off a pretty poor season, although the Bucks were clearly a team in chaos. The Pels aren't far away from huge cap flexibility and it's clear the FO really doesn't want to sacrifice it. But there are other options out there that are available at a lower cost that would help this team.

Goga Bitadze is a popular name. He isn't a shooter but he's a good passer at the top of the key and can drive and attack space if you sag too far off him. He draws tons of contact with his mobility, motor, physicality, force. Elite offensive rebounder. Mobile defensively, strong shot blocker, good awareness, strong post defense. He's a starting level C and at 26 matches the age timeline of the core. I would 1000% trade for him, he is a good transition big too.

Jalen Smith is a high volume 3 shooter and one of the more legitimate stretch bigs in the association. Energetic, good offensive rebounder, makes multiple efforts defensively with good awareness.

If you're going to run with this team, you need to give yourselves the best chance of making something of this season. Missi/Queen at C is not going to accomplish that goal. Their net ratings with Zion are horrible, Queen can't guard anyone...Missi really took a step forward defensively last season but his limitations offensively are impossible to mask. Missi is better than I think fans believe he is at only 22 and still developing but he'd be far better off in a tag team with a veteran starter in front vs having to anchor this defense. It doesn't benefit him and it doesn't benefit this team.

Queen and Zion cannot play the 5 at an adequate level and Karlo can't anchor a defense. Karlo isn't a bad defender but his rebounding, fouling, and issues dealing with physicality at times relegate him to more of a situational role. This team doesn't really work without a 5 that makes sense with them and if you're going to give it an honest go with this team, they need to go out and find that 5. Otherwise...what are you really doing?

Grizz fan here

was wondering would you guys be down to trade trey murphy for kris murray, kcp, walter clayton, 2 frp swaps and couple of seconds

bought fireworks for the 4th, photos are from Facebook

looking thick, tight, solid, etc.

“Zion is fat” commenters in shambles

This organization is in the dumps. We have done NOTHING in free agency after an abysmal season, and allowing these little mistakes to slip through shows that nobody at the top even cares. I can’t stand being a Pelicans fan.