Pelicans acquire PF/C Derrick Favors in trade with Jazz

Dec 1, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) dunks the ball during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
Photo credit USA TODAY Sports

David Griffin sure knows how to throw a party, and keep it going.

The New Orleans Pelicans general manager continued to wheel and deal into the late hours of Sunday night as NBA Free agency opened.  After signing sharpshooting guard JJ Redick and versatile European forward Nicolo Melli, Griffin wasn't done.  The Pelicans still had a glaring need for a powerful, rim protecting big man.  Consider that problem solved.

The Pelicans agreed to a trade with the Utah Jazz to acquire Derrick Favors, a versatile big who can play both the center and power forward positions.   The trade was first reported by Andrew Lopez of the Times/Picayune.  It isn't immediately clear what the Pelicans gave up to land Favors, but it likely isn't excessive considering he is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $17.65 million this season before entering unrestricted free agency.

UPDATE:  The Pelicans are reportedly sending draft picks, likely second rounders or a protected first round pick, to the Jazz in exchange for Favors.

Sources tell me Pelicans are exploring a trade to bring in Derrick Favors from Utah.

Nothing done yet but could be soon.Utah has to part ways with Favors after agreeing to terms with Bojan Bogdanovic.

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) July 1, 2019

Favors, a nine-year veteran of the NBA who will turn 28 next month, was a key member of the Jazz's frontcourt alongside two-time defensive POY Rudy Gobert.  Favors averaged 11.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last season while shooting 58.6% from the field.  That points-per-game average was slightly down from his career average of 11.6.  

While Favors is the epitome of a rent-a-player, he's just the kind of player the Pelicans were looking to acquire to play alongside rookies Zion Williamson and Jaxson Hayes in their frontcourt.  This deal will keep those rookies from being rushed into more prominent roles that they perhaps wouldn't be ready for.