The pelicans were close to getting Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt from Utah at the trade deadline, or close-ish. The Pelicans had to choose between a trade package centered around significant “draft equity” and a lightly protected 2027 first-round pick.
The los Angeles lakers beat the new Orleans pelicans 123-108 on march 14. Beasley dropped 7 of his 12 three-point attempts, much to the delight of his teammates. The lakers sit 10th in the West, just two games out of the sixth seed.
The Utah Jazz are at the center of the rumor mill, once again. The latest trade rumors linked Utah to a botched three-way trade with the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks that involved ex-Jazzman Jae Crowder, John Collins, Malik Beasley.
Rudy Gobert hopes to return to Utah for the first time as a member of the visiting team. Gobert was traded to Minnesota in a deal that saw him traded for Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and four first-round picks. Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns suffered a calf strain that is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.
Simone Fontecchio dunked with 1.4 seconds remaining off Nickeil Alexander-Walker's steal. Malik Beasley made a three-pointer with 7.8 seconds to play. Jordan Poole tied a season high with 36 points for Golden State and Jonathan Kuminga had a season-high 24.
The Lakers did not get involved in three-team trade talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rumors had emerged that the lakers could get involved. The Jazz still have veteran assets that could be a fit for L.A. (particularly Malik Beasley and Bojan Bogdanovic)
Rudy Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, will head to Minnesota in exchange for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt and four first-round NBA Draft picks. The 30-year-old Gobert has spent all nine of his NBA seasons with Utah, where he has helped the Jazz reach the playoffs for six straight years. Gobert averaged 15.6 points per game last season, a league-leading 14.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $224 million extension.
