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It emerged yesterday that Pelicans center Robin Lopez could play an integral role in New Orleans' pursuit of Sacramento Kings restricted free agent Tyreke Evans, namely by being bought out or traded. According to most reports at this stage, Evans has a 4 year, $44M offer on the table from New Orleans which he can't officially sign until next Wednesday, July 10. If he does sign, Sacramento would then have three days to match the contract offer.
Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski's latest reporting on the situation today:
If Pelicans don't waive Robin Lopez by Thursday -- paying 500K buyout -- his $5.1M and 5.3M salaries the next two years become guaranteed.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 3, 2013
Portland is a possible destination for center Robin Lopez, with Indiana and others on a short list in pursuit, league sources tell Y!
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 3, 2013
It is possible Tyreke Evans never signs the proposed $44M offer sheet with Pelicans, sources tell Y! Sports. Still a fluid scenario.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 3, 2013
With so much trade interest in center Robin Lopez, it is unlikely the Pelicans will fail to guarantee his contract this week.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 3, 2013
Indy Cornrows' Evan Sidery also reports that Indiana may be discussing a Gerald Green (who will receive $7M over the next two years of his deal) for Robin Lopez trade:
Breaking News: I have been exchanging emails with my Pacers sources and it does sound like Indiana has made a trade offer. Green for Lopez.
— Evan Sidery (@ESidery) July 3, 2013