The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to engage the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks on trade talks this offseason as they look to upgrade their lead guard position. 

The Hawks are expected to trade either Trae Young or Dejounte Murray this offseason, while the Cavaliers could also entertain offers on Darius Garland if they sign Donovan Mitchell to an extension. 

The Pelicans engaged both the Cavaliers and Hawks ahead of the February deadline. 

Zion Williamson had interest in joining Trae Young with the Hawks ahead of the lottery in 2019 and there could be mutual interest in playing together now with the Pelicans. 

The Chicago Bulls were unable to trade Zach LaVine last season before he underwent surgery on his right foot. Whatever asking price the Bulls had for LaVine at that point will likely be lower as they reengage this offseason.

"I do get the sense both sides are motivated to make something work this offseason," writes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. "I don’t think the Bulls will take an awful deal if little materializes, but I do get the sense they’re open to more possibilities than before. More to the point: I’ve reported before what their asking price was---All-Star level talent, first-round picks or both---and my sense is that it has dropped significantly."

Johnson adds that "the desire from both sides to make a change has grown."

LaVine re-signed with the Bulls in 2022 on a five-year, $215 million deal. LaVine will make $43 million during the 24-25 season.

In 25 games last season, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

LaVine is represtned by Rich Paul and Lucas Newton of Klutch Sports. 

The Golden State Warriors have agreed to hire Jon Phelps as cap strategist and team counsel.

Phelps joins the Warriors after an extended tenure with the Detroit Pistons.

Phelps replaces Onsi Saleh, who left the Warriors this offseason for a high-ranking position with the Atlanta Hawks under Landry Fields. 

Mike Dunleavy Jr. assumed control of the Golden State front office last year after the contract of Bob Myers expired. 

The Detroit Pistons are in serious talks to hire Michael Blackstone as the No. 2 decision-maker of the front office under Trajan Langdon. 

Blackstone has served as the New Orleans Pelicans’ VP of basketball administration over the last several seasons where he worked alongside Langdon. Before the Pelicans, Blackstone worked as an assistant general manager with the Atlanta Hawks and executive director of basketball operations with the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

The Pistons parted ways with Troy Weaver this week. Weaver had years remaining on his contract and was offered an off-site scouting role to remain with the franchise in a smaller capacity. 

Nolan Traore will sign a two-year contract with Saint-Quentin in the French first division.

Traore is a projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA draft as a 17-year-old, 6'5 playmaker. 

Traore was being recruited by Duke, Arkansas, Gonzaga, and Alabama, as well as the Australian NBL and Euroleague and EuroCup teams in France and abroad. 

"It was cool to have all these programs interested in me," Traore said. "I don't take that for granted. It was a reward for all the work I've put in. I was happy to have all these options, but the possibility of staying close to my family was also important. They can visit me, and I can go home easily."