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Hours before the start of the 2019 NBA Draft, the Pelicans have, as anticipated, traded the fourth overall pick. David Griffin has packaged it up along with the Pelicans 57th pick and Solomon Hill, who had one year remaining on his contract worth $12.8 million, to Atlanta, In return, the Hawks are sending back two first round picks (#8 and #17) and one second round pick (#35) in this year’s draft as well as a heavily protected 2012 first-round pick via the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Atlanta has acquired New Orleans No. 4 pick in the draft for No. 8 and 17 and 35, league sources tell ESPN. Pelicans are sending Solomon Hill, No. 57 pick and a future second-round pick.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2019
Atlanta is also sending a Cleveland heavily protected first-round pick in 2020 to the Pelicans, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2019
This trade now leaves the Pelicans with five picks in this draft and clears additional room on next year’s salary cap sheet. Without crunching any numbers, New Orleans could have in the neighborhood of $30 million if the cap holds of Elfrid Payton, Julius Randle and Stanley Johnson are not included.
Without a doubt, this signals that Griffin likely isn’t finished dealing, as he’s added more assets and cap space. Stay tuned!