Introducing Cooler Talk

A recurring segment where I share intel tidbits gathered around the league

Hello folks! I am here to announce Cooler Talk. This will be a recurring segment in future posts where I share things I have heard from around the league and behind the scenes. The inaugural edition will focus on the Scoot Henderson drama surrounding the Pelicans. I made a brief explainer video below regarding the situation but there are a few things I want to touch on.

• The Pelicans do not wish to trade either of Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram. I believe the team does not feel pressured to make a deal and at this stage is preparing as if there will be no movement here.

• If polled internally on who the team would rather trade between Williamson or Ingram, the consensus would skew towards Williamson. The team does, however, recognize that Williamson is the better player and values him commensurately with regards to any potential trade.

• I do believe the right price can secure either of Ingram or Williamson. Once again, I believe the price would be significantly higher for Williamson. For example, if Charlotte was the trade partner - Williamson might net Mark Williams and additional draft capital in addition to the 2nd overall pick. Ingram, it is believed, would not have the same kind of pull.

• When polling a few league executives, I came away with the belief that the league values the chance of Williamson hitting his top end upside over what Ingram currently provides.

• Charlotte has a decision to make. Charlotte has to decide which direction they want to go in as a team with regards to continuing a slower build, or pursuing talent that will propel them towards the playoffs. Charlotte also has to decide who it values more between Ingram and Williamson and their respective prices, however it is believed that they currently prefer Ingram.

• I expect trade chatter to pick up within the next few days. Teams will be wrapping up their pre-draft workouts, if they have not finished already, and front offices will begin finalizing plans for Thursday night. Expect to hear more concrete details from Charlotte soon.

• Speaking of Thursday, I do not expect any potential Henderson deal to be made prior to then. In fact, this may end up being a decision made on the clock.

• It was relayed to me by someone close to the situation that Williamson appears more bought into New Orleans than ever before. There seems to be a sense that he genuinely wants to be in New Orleans and was seen recently engaging with staff members across different levels of the organization, taking time to greet each person individually.