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Stadium’s Jeff Goodman is reporting that the New Orleans Pelicans have discussed a deal that would involve Robert Covington leaving the Minnesota Timberwolves for the #4 pick in tonight’s NBA draft.
New Orleans boss David Griffin trying to get another first-rounder and also a player on a good contract for the No. 4 pick. Told there have been discussions between Pels No. 4 pick and Minnesota involving No. 11 and Robert Covington.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 20, 2019
Covington is a 6’9” defensive-minded wing who has long been a favorite trade target for Denver Nuggets fans. He’s under contract for three more seasons, earning roughly $12 million per year. Last season, he shot 37% on over 6.7 three-point attempts per game and had the highest on/off differential of all Timberwolves players to play at least 500 minutes.
Pelicans executive vice president, David Griffin, has long been rumored to covet Covington so it will likely be difficult for the Nuggets to involve themselves in the deal as a third partner. The Timberwolves have also been rumored to be aggressive in trying to move into the top of this year’s draft. So Denver doesn’t have what the Timberwolves want and the Pelicans want what Denver wants. Still, Covington appears to be on the market, and anything is possible on draft day.
We’ll keep you updated as this story develops.