Woj: New Orleans interested in Lopez-centered trade

Lopez
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Woj: New Orleans interested in Lopez-centered trade

The New Orleans Pelicans have inquired into Brook Lopez’s availability, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reports.

We’ve all been here before and it’s likely not the last time we’ll slog through some more Lopez-related rumors, so I’ll keep it short. In addition to potentially hunting down Lopez, whose asking price is still two first round picks the last we heard, the Pelicans appear to be in advanced talks with the Philadelphia 76ers, a trade that would snag Jahlil Okafor to pair with Anthony Davis.

Considering the Nets’ always sky-high asking price for the former All-Star, it’s likely that the Pelicans inquired on Lopez and found that Okafor could be the younger, cheaper option for general manager Dell Demps. As of now, the Sixers are balking at the Pelicans’ insistence on the ongoing lottery pick being protected or want the inclusion of Jrue Holiday in any deal.

Just as all trade sagas go, it looks like we’re just getting started here, but it does confirm that Sean Marks continues to be active before this month’s deadline. Whether an actual deal is right around the corner, however, we’ll have to wait and see.

The Vertical — Adrian Wojnarowski