The Post AD Era

[Ramcus]

Reports are circulation around the post-Anthony Davis Pelicans, as this is the first off season they've faced without their franchise superstar in a long time. Many unnamed friends of the Pelicans FO are reporting that they will be selling this off season, as they are now heading towards building around new franchise superstar Lauri Markkanen. Dubbed the "One-Way Superstar," Markkanen is incredibly effective, but only on the offensive end of the ball. A lights out shooter, Markkanen mixes in stepback 3's and drives to the rim to confuse and bully his defenders. Unfortunately, he's not the same player on the defensive end, often being caught flat footed and lazy. However, his offensive capabilities solely are enough to carry a franchise, as long as the team is built properly around him.
With big names such as Paul George, Damian Lillard, and Justin Holiday, the Pelicans should be looking to sell. But their first obstacle is the contract problem. Paul George is only finishing the first year of a long 4 year near-max contract. With a not-so stellar season now behind him, will any team be willing to pay up big for the quickly deteriorating superstar?
Damian Lillard may be expiring next season, but will any team find any need for him? As he quickly approaches the end of his career, he finds himself at the deep end of the league. Not good enough to be a competent 3rd option, but being paid much more than a 3rd option. The Pelicans may struggle to find suitors for Lillard.
Holiday is easy to trade. Defensive stalwart, doesn't take too many shots, secondary ball handler, long sustained tradable contract. As this is all true on paper, the Pelicans may look to sell high on him. Many championship contenders have a place for a player like Holiday.

[Dennis]

To be honest, I think it’s already a home run if you can get them off the books without giving up any assets. With so many top teams fighting the hard cap, I can’t see anyone giving up something for those contracts. So getting out of them for free to have cap would be already a huge huge win imo.

[cb4raptorscb4]

Yeah, George will be a tough sell. I don't think people will be giving up 1sts for him with that age and contract. Lilliard could be a decent rental for a contender.

[Flaming Homer]

Unfortunately true.
George could have one more good season, but the last 2 years on this contracts he probably just eats cap. Don't think any contender can afford it.
Lillard has the better contract, question is if he can move the needle.

[Dennis]

The teams also would have to match the salaries. Tbh the top teams have heavy contracts, but it’s only their franchise players. Wouldn’t make sense for them to match the salary with them.

[emplep7]

I feel like if we've learned anything its that anyone can be traded no matter the contract. If a team wants to make a run after seeing these playoffs, they will get a deal done.