New Orleans Pelicans top executive David Griffin has been on a roll this offseason and among his latest conquests was trading for Derrick Favors from the Utah Jazz on the first day of free agency.
Hours after the deal was announced, more details have been revealed as New Orleans will now send two second-round picks to Utah in exchange for the burly big man, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Pelicans are sending 2021 and 2023 second-round picks — both via Warriors — in trade for Favors, league source tells ESPN.
Favors joins Euroleague star Nicolo Melli and veteran sharpshooter JJ Redick as the latest additions to New Orleans' fold.
In 76 games for the Jazz last season, Favors averaged 11.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks on 54% shooting from the field and 67% from the charity stripe. He is entering the final season of a two-year contract he signed last summer, that will have the former Georgia Tech standout earn $16,000,000 in 2019-20.
Favors could start for the Pelicans alongside this year's top overall pick Zion Williamson, forming a menacing defensive frontcourt for the Big Easy squad.
Armed with a good mix of young talent and steady veterans, the Pelicans are poised to lift themselves out of the NBA's cellar as early as next season.
Meanwhile, the future picks the Jazz will be receiving hold little value as the Warriors are projected to remain an NBA powerhouse for years to come.