2 Possible Detroit Pistons trades with the New Orleans Pelicans

The Detroit Pistons got their trade season started by dumping Marvin Bagley III and the $12.5 million they owe him for next season onto the Washington Wizards in exchange for two expiring contracts.

Fans should temper their excitement about the MBIII trade, though it will be nice not to have to watch Isaiah Livers play basketball anymore. Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala, the two players the Pistons got in the trade, are as likely to be bought out as they are to play a game with Detroit.

The Pistons are not likely finished making moves and could have something brewing with the New Orleans Pelicans, who are looking to make a minor splash at the trade deadline to improve their depth.

Detroit Pistons: The Pelicans want Alec Burks but there is a problem

According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, the Pelicans have expressed interest in trading for Alec Burks of the Detroit Pistons.

It makes perfect sense for New Orleans, as they could use more bench depth and shooting and Burks has been on fire after a lengthy slump. You know what you are getting with Burks, who is a guy who can get hot and knock down shots but isn't a great defender or playmaker.

The problem is that the Pelicans are trying to avoid the luxury tax, which is going to be difficult for them to do if they trade for Burks unless they have other moves lined up.

Many expected the Pels to unload Kira Lewis Jr. to get under the luxury tax and they could do it by trading for Burks, but they'd have to add assets to make it worth the Pistons' time.

Here are two trades that work financially, but the Pelicans would then have to figure out a way to shed more cash or pay the luxury tax.