The news caught Tang Tian somewhat by surprise.
Though they were both Bryants, Thomas had not been highly regarded in the draft, and even with the 30th pick, the Lakers had not selected him.
"What are they offering?"
"Next year's Second-Round Draft Pick."
Tang Tian nodded after hearing that.
The offer was fairly reasonable.
Lakers fans had been shouting "Lakers Championship" all summer, but they had failed to land a single big name. They would basically still be bottom-feeders next season.
Their second-rounder was quite valuable. It might even end up higher than this year's 40th pick.
But there was no point in the Pelicans making such a trade.
Although they had signed Dedmon, he was already twenty-eight. Big, rugged centers generally saw a noticeable decline in competitive form after thirty.
Bryant was a backup plan as the same type of player. If they traded him away, the Pelicans would have to find another player of the same mold.
So the trade would be more trouble than it was worth for the Pelicans.
"Ask them for Hart. We can add another future second-rounder."
The Pelicans' second-round picks had never been worth much. The 60th pick was basically thin air, so it would be like trading Bryant for Hart.
Like Kuzma, whom the Pelicans had drafted, Hart did not have a particularly high ceiling but had a solid floor. He could shoot threes and played good defense. He was a 3D player.
The Pelicans had failed to sign a backup for Tang Tian. Their Four-star lineup now had plenty of ball handlers, so trading for him would be excellent.
With a new target, Dempsey continued negotiations with the Lakers.
As the Brothers of Hard Work grew in number, they shifted from three-on-three half-court scrimmages to Five-on-Five Full-court contact.
Their Four-star lineup