Why it's unlikely the Pelicans enter the Kevin Durant sweepstakes

Kevin Durant wants to be traded from Brooklyn Nets to New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans are reluctant to give up Brandon Ingram for Durant. Ingram and Zion Williamson have played in 81 games together. Training camp is six weeks away. The team is not expected to make any major changes before then. It is possible the roster changes will happen before the 2022-23 season.

Zion Williamson has played 85 games for the Pelicans. He has been an offensive force in both seasons. Willie Green will use him as a traditional power forward or as lead guard. He is a talented passer for a player his size. The Pelicans will have to find ways to put the ball in Williamson's hands on the perimeter without over-extending him.

Jose Alvarado is a rookie who impressed the Pelicans. He is short and undersized, but he is still a valuable player. Devonte’ Graham is bigger and more experienced. The Pelicans are interested in trading him.   The team is also interested to keep Kevin Durant. It is unlikely they will enter the Kevin KD sweepstakes.

Larry Nance Jr. had a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double in the Pelicans’ play-in tournament win over the Los Angeles Clippers in April. The Pelicans expect Nane to play a big role this season because of his versatility.

Jaxson Hayes will compete for minutes at backup center with Willy Hernangomez and Nance. The Pelicans were dominant rebounding team when Hayes and Valanciunas played together.

Hayes is entering the final season of his rookie deal. He and the Pelicans have until the start of the regular season to work out a contract extension. Hayes is a candidate to play out his Rookie's Contract and enter restricted free agency next summer.

Trey Murphy shot 38.2% from 3-point territory as a rookie. He made the 12th-most 3s among rookies despite playing 27th in minutes. The Pelicans have four players who can create shots for themselves. They need to surround them with outside shooting.