Ja Morant’s Game 2 performance challenges the Warriors’ championship pedigree

The New Orleans Pelicans will defer the first round pick they are owed from the Los Angeles Lakers from the 2024 draft to the 2025 edition. The Lakers own the 17th overall pick in what is widely considered a down draft, whereas the 2025 draft is expected to be strong. There are also a number of potential scenarios where the Lakers end up sending the Pelicans a higher pick in 2025.

The Lakers traded three future first round picks to the Pelicans in 2019 as part of the Anthony Davis trade.

David Griffin informed Rob Pelinka of his decision on Friday, one day ahead of the deadline.

The Pelicans own the No. 21 pick in the draft.

The Indiana Pacers have agreed to acquire Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown Jr., Jordan Nwora and three first round picks. As part of the trade, the New Orleans Pelicans will send Kira Lewis to the Raptors and a second round pick to the Pacers in a luxury tax move.

The picks will be Indiana’s own selection in 2024, along with the worst of the first round picks originating from either the Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers or Oklahoma City Thunder. The third pick will be Indiana’s own selection in 2026.

Siakam will be a free agent in 2024, but the Pacers appear to be trading for him with a realistic hope of re-signing him. Siakam can re-sign for up to $247 million over five years with the Pacers. Siakam is also eligible to sign a two-year, $81.5 million extension until June 30th.

“I’m excited that Pascal is getting a first class opportunity with the Pacers, being paired with Tyrese and Myles and being coached by a great coach in Rick Carlisle. His future their looks bright there,” Siakam’s agent Todd Ramasar told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears.