New Orleans Pelicans

Forward Brandon Boston Jr. is headed to the Los Angeles Clippers after going No. 51 in the 2021 NBA draft.

Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported earlier in the evening that the New Orleans Pelicans, who previously owned the pick, dealt the selection to L.A.

The 19-year-old, one of the nation's top prospects in the 2020 high school class, disappointed in his lone season at Kentucky. He finished with averages of 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds for a Wildcats team that ranked as perhaps the biggest disappointment in men's college basketball.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Brandon Boston Jr.

Position: SF

Height: 6'7"

Pro Comparison: Jeremy Lamb

Scouting Report: Though Boston didn't meet the hype at Kentucky, his shot-making skills for a 6'7" wing is still worth monitoring.

Clippers Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Paul George, SG: $44.1M (2025)

Kawhi Leonard, SF: $36M (Player option)

Marcus Morris Sr., SF: $16M (2024)

Luke Kennard, SG: $13.8M (2025)

Patrick Beverley, PG: $13.3M (2022)

Serge Ibaka, C: $9.7M (Player option)

Rajon Rondo, PG: $7.5M (2022)

Ivica Zubac, C: $7M (2023)

Keon Johnson, G: $2.1M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)

Terance Mann, SG: $1.4M (2023)

Daniel Oturu, C: $1.2M (2022)

Yogi Ferrell, PG: $1.1M (2022)

Jason Preston, PG (No. 33 overall pick)

Brandon Boston Jr., F (No. 51 overall pick)

         

Free Agents

Patrick Patterson, PF: UFA

Nicolas Batum, SF: UFA

Reggie Jackson, PG: UFA

DeMarcus Cousins, C: UFA

Amir Coffey, SG: RFA

    

Boston clearly has talent, though. He wouldn't have been as highly touted by scouts who saw a massive ceiling for him this time a year ago. 

L.A. will hope perhaps sending him to the G League and getting him some professional reps will help unlock his potential to become a future rotation piece.

Alongside Boston, the Clips added Tennessee guard Keon Johnson (No. 21) and Ohio point guard Jason Preston (No. 33) earlier in the evening.

The New Orleans Pelicans added forward Herb Jones after selecting the Alabama product with the No. 35 pick in the 2021 NBA draft. 

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Herb Jones

Position: SF

Height: 6'7"

Pro Comparison: Troy Brown

Scouting Report: Shooting is still a question mark for Jones, but between his defensive versatility and development into a point-wing, he might not need a jumper to contribute.

Pelicans Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Brandon Ingram, SF: $31.7M (2025)

Jonas Valanciunas, C: $15M (2022)—ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Valanciunas will be traded to the Pelicans on August 6

Zion Williamson, PF: $10.2M (2023)

Jaxson Hayes, C: $5.1M (2023)

Kira Lewis Jr., PG: $3.7M (2024)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: $3.1M (2023)

Wesley Iwundu, SF: $1.8M (2022)

Wenyen Gabriel, PF: $1.7M (2022)

Didi Louzada, SF: $1.5 (Team option)

Naji Marshall, SF: $1.1M (2024)

Herb Jones, SF: (TBD)

    

Free Agents

James Johnson, PF: UFA

Lonzo Ball, PG: RFA

Josh Hart, SG: RFA

Willy Hernangomez, C: UFA

James Nunnally, SF: RFA

The 22-year-old was named the SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year as an elite contributor on both ends of the court. He finished the season with averages of 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.

Jones also shot 35.1 percent from three-point range while leading the Crimson Tide to the SEC regular-season and tournament title.

The Pelicans finished last season ranked 22nd in defensive rating and 24th in points allowed per game. They need all the help they can find on that end of the court if they want to become a serious playoff threat in the Western Conference. 

Given how many scoring options the Pelicans already have, Jones could carve out a niche role as a defensive stalwart for the franchise very soon. 

Trey Murphy III has made the leap to the NBA, and he'll be suiting up for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Officially, the Memphis Grizzlies selected Murphy at No. 17 overall in Thursday's NBA draft, but he'll be headed to the Pels as part of a reported trade, via ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday.

BREAKING: Memphis is finalizing a trade to send Jonas Valanciunas and 2021 Nos. 17 and 51 picks to New Orleans for Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, 2021 picks Nos. 10 and 40 and a protected 2022 first-round pick via the Lakers, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 26, 2021

New Orleans also took Stanford's Ziaire Williams at No. 10 overall earlier in the evening and SEC Player of the Year Herbert Jones at No. 35.

The 21-year-old left the Virginia Cavaliers early to test the NBA waters after averaging 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 2020-21.

Murphy quickly saw his decision pay off with his name being called in the first round. He now heads to New Orleans to join a backcourt that has some question marks with point guard Lonzo Ball being a restricted free agent.

First-round picks Kira Lewis Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are under contract next year.

         

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Trey Murphy III 

Position: SF/PF

Height: 6'9"

Pro Comparison: Mikal Bridges

Scouting Report: Murphy soared up draft boards with shooting accuracy and defensive mobility that create three-and-D potential.

Pelicans Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Brandon Ingram, SF: $31.7M (2025)

Jonas Valanciunas, C: $15M (2022)—Wojnarowski reported Valanciunas will be traded to the Pelicans on August 6

Zion Williamson, PF: $10.2M (2023)

Jaxson Hayes, C: $5.1M (2023)

Kira Lewis Jr., PG: $3.7M (2024)

Ziaire Williams, SG/SF: $3.6M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: $3.1M (2023)

Trey Murphy III, SF/PF: $2.5M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)

Wesley Iwundu, SF: $1.8M (2022)

Wenyen Gabriel, PF: $1.7M (2022)

Didi Louzada, SF: $1.5 (Team option)

Naji Marshall, SF: $1.1M (2024)

Herbert Jones, SF: No. 35 overall pick

    

Free Agents

James Johnson, PF: UFA

Lonzo Ball, PG: RFA

Josh Hart, SG: RFA

Willy Hernangomez, C: UFA

James Nunnally, SF: RFA

     

The Durham, North Carolina, native didn't get much of a chance to showcase his skills on the national stage after Virginia was knocked out of the NCAA tournament in the first round by the University of Ohio, but he did notch 12 points and four rebounds in the loss after dropping 15 points against Syracuse in an ACC tournament quarterfinal.

Instead, he got to prove his worth in private workouts and at the NBA combine in Chicago. That appears to have helped his case as he heads to the NBA with an opportunity to make an immediate impact in New Orleans.

The New Orleans Pelicans have selected Stanford star Ziaire Williams with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Ziaire Williams

Position: SG/SF

Height: 6'9"

Pro Comparison: Cam Reddish

Scouting Report: Williams' size, shooting stroke, ball skills and defensive tools have persuaded scouts not to harp on his inefficient numbers. They believe he's a better shooting than the number suggest, though adding strength to deal with contact will be important for his two-point scoring.

    

Pelicans Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Brandon Ingram, SF: $31.7M (2025)

Jonas Valanciunas, C: $15M (2022)—Wojnarowski reported Valanciunas will be traded to the Pelicans on August 6

Zion Williamson, PF: $10.2M (2023)

Jaxson Hayes, C: $5.1M (2023)

Kira Lewis Jr., PG: $3.7M (2024)

Ziaire Williams, SG/SF: $3.6M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG: $3.1M (2023)

Trey Murphy III, SF/PF: $2.5M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)

Wesley Iwundu, SF: $1.8M (2022)

Wenyen Gabriel, PF: $1.7M (2022)

Didi Louzada, SF: $1.5 (Team option)

Naji Marshall, SF: $1.1M (2024)

Herbert Jones, SF: No. 35 overall pick

    

Free Agents

James Johnson, PF: UFA

Lonzo Ball, PG: RFA

Josh Hart, SG: RFA

Willy Hernangomez, C: UFA

James Nunnally, SF: RFA

       

The 6'8" forward was the No. 6 overall recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2020 recruiting class but had a somewhat nondescript freshman campaign as the Cardinal finished 14-13 and missed the NCAA tournament.

Williams averaged 10.7 points and 4.6 rebounds over 20 appearances. He struggled offensively, shooting 37.4 percent from the field and 29.1 percent from beyond the arc.

The Pelicans will obviously look for his efficiency to tick upward as the 19-year-old gains more experience and works on that part of his game. Assuming it does, Williams has the potential to be a dynamic scorer whether he's creating off the dribble or working away from the ball.

Williams joins a team that also added Virginia forward Trey Murphy III as part of a previously reported trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, who officially took the ex-Cavalier 17th overall but will send him to New Orleans. The Pels added SEC Player of the Year Herbert Jones with the No. 35 selection.

The Los Angeles Police Department will review the use of force involved in the arrest of New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes.

According to ESPN's Andrew Lopez, "LAPD says its force investigation division is now reviewing the incident because of 'the possibility of force being applied to Hayes' neck.'"

TMZ Sports reported Wednesday that Hayes had been arrested after officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a Los Angeles-area home. The 6'11" big man allegedly "got combative with cops and a fight broke out."

Lopez provided more context: "Footage from police body cameras reportedly shows Hayes trying to enter the residence despite warnings from officers. As he continued to push forward, officers called for backup and tried to place Hayes' hands behind his back."

Hayes was eventually handcuffed after two-and-a-half minutes. Authorities used a Taser "as well as bodyweight and physical force" during the course of his arrest.

Hayes and an officer involved in the arrest were evaluated at a local hospital.

The 21-year-old was taken into custody on a charge of resisting arrest, and he was released after posting bail.

The Pelicans issued a statement Wednesday to say they were "working in conjunction with the NBA and Jaxson’s representatives to gather more information and will have no further comment at this time."

Hayes averaged 7.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in 60 games for New Orleans this past season.

The Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks have reportedly expressed interest in trading for Brooklyn Nets guard Landry Shamet ahead of the 2021 NBA draft.

Ian Begley of SNY reported "several" teams have contacted the Nets regarding Shamet offering their first-round pick. The Pelicans have the No. 17 selection and the Lakers sit at No. 22 pick Thursday night, but the Mavericks do not have a first-round selection.

Under the Stepien rule, the Lakers must make their selection at No. 22 because of draft picks sent to New Orleans as part of the Anthony Davis trade. They then can trade rights to that player after the selection is made.

Shamet will make $3.8 million next season, the final year of his rookie contract. His affordability is likely a significant factor in his interest around the league, as he's proved himself a reliable threat from three-point range.

The 24-year-old averaged 9.3 points and 1.8 rebounds last season while shooting 38.7 percent from distance, making 2.1 threes per game. Despite playing for three organizations in as many NBA seasons, the former first-round pick out of Wichita State has been consistently able to adapt to his new surroundings and provide reliable floor-spacing off the bench.

The Nets may want to retain him on their roster for that reason, but any extension would increase their looming luxury-tax bill. If the team feels it can get a Shamet-level contributor in the draft and reset the clock on a rookie contract, it might be a prudent deal. 

New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes was arrested in California early Wednesday morning after allegedly getting into a physical altercation with local police, according to TMZ Sports.

Officers were initially responding to a report of a domestic disturbance, and Hayes allegedly "got combative" when they arrived. The 21-year-old potentially could face a felony charge of battery on a police officer.

The Pelicans issued a statement: "We have been made aware of the incident involving Jaxson Hayes. We are working in conjunction with the NBA and Jaxson’s representatives to gather more information and will have no further comment at this time."

TMZ Sports reported police used a Taser on Hayes in the process of subduing him. He was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries, and an officer who was involved in his arrest was also treated for injuries. 

An investigation remains ongoing.

The No. 8 overall pick in 2019, Hayes is coming off his second season in New Orleans. He averaged 7.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 60 appearances for the Pelicans.

In their quest to make a big splash in free agency, the New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly drawing inspiration from the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns. 

Per ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Pelicans president of basketball operations David Griffin is hoping to make a "huge offer" to Kyle Lowry "in an effort to import the type of leadership that Chris Paul brought to the Suns last year in morphing them into contenders."

Lowry does share some qualities with Paul that should be attractive to many teams. Both point guards still play at a high level on the court despite their relatively advanced ages, and both are lauded for their leadership qualities. 

It's been previously reported that the Pelicans planned to pursue Lowry in free agency. On a recent episode of The Mismatch, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor said New Orleans is desperate to sign the six-time All-Star. 

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday that New Orleans was finalizing a deal to send Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, the No. 10 and 40 picks in the 2021 NBA draft and a protected 2022 first-rounder to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jonas Valanciunas and the 17th and 51st picks in the 2021 draft. 

Per NBA reporter Marc Stein, that trade will open up the necessary cap space for the Pelicans to make a serious run at Lowry. 

The free-agent market for Lowry looks to be robust. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat are all expected to be in the mix. 

Lowry did miss 26 games last season because of injuries, but he remained highly productive when he was able to play. The 35-year-old averaged 17.2 points, 7.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting a 39.6 percent on three-pointers. 

Despite having Zion Williamson make the All-Star team in his second season, the Pelicans missed the playoffs in 2020-21 after posting a 31-41 record. They haven't made the postseason since 2018.    

With days to go until the 2021 NBA draft, the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans reshaped the first round a bit.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the teams are nearing a deal in which New Orleans will acquire Jonas Valanciunas and the Nos. 17 and 51 picks in the upcoming draft. Memphis will receive Steven Adams, Eric Bledsoe, a protected 2022 first-rounder and the Nos. 10 and 40 picks this year. According to Andrew Lopez of ESPN, the 2022 pick is top-10 protected from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported the Grizzlies are expected to quickly jettison Bledsoe when the trade goes through.

Here's what the two teams are expected to look like after the swap:

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Memphis Grizzlies Depth Chart

PG: Ja Morant, Tyus Jones, Tim Frazier

SG: Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, De'Anthony Melton

SF: Kyle Anderson, Desmond Bane, Justise Winslow

PF: Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke

C: Steven Adams, Xavier Tillman, Killian Tillie

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New Orleans Pelicans Depth Chart

PG: Lonzo Ball, Kira Lewis Jr.

SG: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, James Nunnally

SF: Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Naji Marshall, Wes Iwundu

PF: Zion Williamson, James Johnson, Wenyen Gabriel

C: Jonas Valanciunas, Jaxson Hayes, Willy Hernangomez

The first-round pick going to Memphis was part of the Anthony Davis trade in 2019. Weep not for the Pelicans because they still have a bevy of first-rounders to either use or turn into trade assets.

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Pelicans First-Round Picks

2021: Grizzlies (No. 17)

2022: Own, Lakers

2023: Own or Pick Swap (Lakers)

2024: Own or Pick Swap (Bucks), Lakers*

2025: Own, Bucks, Lakers*

2026: Own or Pick Swap (Bucks)

2027: Own, Bucks

2028: Own

*The Pelicans have the opportunity to take the Lakers' first-rounder in 2024 or 2025

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That provides the front office with a lot of flexibility. New Orleans can either continue making smaller improvements, such as replacing Adams with Valanciunas, or it can take a big swing on an All-Star looking to move.

The latter scenario seems the most probably because it's likely to get the Pelicans closer to an NBA title. The Milwaukee Bucks' championship probably doesn't happen if they don't push all of their chips in on Jrue Holiday.

The Grizzlies, meanwhile, move up seven spots and thus get the chance to augment their roster with another young star alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

I like this for both. Jonas V is really good, tough, and shoots 3s. Much better fit for the Pelicans next to Zion. But man, I can’t wait to see what the Grizzlies do at #10. Memphis has hit on every draft pick in recent years. Tons of talent available mid-lotto that fits with Ja. https://t.co/gHoXkyo8CI

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 26, 2021

Using last year as a comparison, Aleksej Pokusevski was the No. 17 overall pick. Tyrese Haliburton, Cole Anthony and Isaiah Stewart all went between Nos. 10-16. Cameron Johnson, Cam Reddish and Tyler Herro fell within that zone in 2019.

Memphis probably isn't getting a foundational talent at No. 10, but the pool of prospects available to general manager Zach Kleiman is a little larger. These are the kind of marginal gains franchises in smaller markets should always look to exploit.

The Indiana Pacers are expected to "once again [gauge] the trade market" for Myles Turner this offseason, according to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer. 

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans are among those who have shown interest in the 6'11" center.

Sooner or later, the Pacers will probably split up Turner and Domantas Sabonis. They don't complement one another that well, and flipping one of the two would help Indiana address another area of the court. 

Considering Sabonis is a two-time All-Star, Turner seems the most likely to go. He's also signed for one fewer year than Sabonis.

Center is an obvious area of need for Charlotte since Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo are both free agents. That's part of the reason the Hornets had been considered an option for Andre Drummond prior to him signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

And in general, Charlotte has to be aggressive in pursuing proven stars because it's not a marquee destination for free agents.

The Pelicans are less of a fit at the moment. Zion Williamson is New Orleans' cornerstone, and the team handed a two-year, $35 million extension to Steven Adams after acquiring him from the Oklahoma City Thunder last year.

B/R's Dan Favale proposed a three-team trade that involved the Pacers, Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs with Turner winding up in New Orleans and Adams going to San Antonio.

If general manager Trajan Langdon could find a taker for Adams, then Turner would make more sense as a traditional rim protector to take the defensive pressure off Williamson.