Pelicans Reportedly Acquire Big Man Derrick Favors in Sign-and-Trade With Jazz
By Mark Powell
New Orleans Pelicans GM David Griffin has made quite an impact in his early days in charge in the Big Easy, already drafting the likes of Zion Williamson, trading Anthony Davis to the Lakers, and signing JJ Redick. Early Monday morning, Griffin added to that tally.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pels have signed free agent big man Derrick Favors, formerly of the Utah Jazz. The move was technically a sign-and-trade, as detailed by Woj.
Pelicans are sending 2021 and 2023 second-round picks -- both via Warriors -- in trade for Favors, league source tells ESPN. https://t.co/jNwPC0MB1R
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2019
Considering Favors was reportedly likely to be bought out by the Jazz if they couldn't reach a trade agreement, this is a nice (albeit small) haul for the team from Salt Lake. With their bevy of offseason moves, Utah couldn't afford to hold on to Favors and his contract.
My (likely) final story for The New Orleans Times-Picayune:
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) July 1, 2019
Pelicans set to acquire Utah's Derrick Favors in a deal. https://t.co/jFwdIWXoN4
Favors averaged nearly 12 points and 8 rebounds per contest. However, he's set to make over $17 million next season.
It's unknown where Favors will slide into the Pelicans rotation, as they've also signed the likes of Nicolo Melli and Redick, along with the acquisition of young stars from the Lakers such as Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram in the Davis trade.
Suddenly, the Pelicans aren't looking at such a steep dropoff in life post-AD after all.