this is what sucks about the NBA. the pelicans pretty much have no say, if they did they would trade 'em and exile him to the worst team possible.
The Pelicans have had a say, but they gave a non-all-star an $150 million dollar contract. Combine that with too many mid-tier contracts for role players, and no good players on rookie contracts, and there is no wiggle room for improvement.
Now, if the Pelicans could somehow get into the Butler sweepstakes, that would be interesting. It would be a swing for the fences, but its better than watching as Davis slowly walks out the door.
Minny Receives: Holliday, Mirotic, Chandler
NOP receive: Butler, Dieng
PHX receives: Teague
Obviously, it hurts the Pelicans to trade fan-favorite Holliday, but Butler is a way better player. They get the best player in the deal, and therefore they win the trade.
Phx gives up Chandler's expiring for a point guard to help run their offense. They need a point guard. This makes sense for them.
For Minny, is there a better trade offer out there? Would you rather have Holliday or Middleton, or Harris, or Richardson, or Hardaway, or Crabbe? I think you could argue Holliday is the best, and on top of that, he is locked up for multiple more years. Minny gets a high-level, two-way guard that immediately helps their defense. They get a frontcourt shooter that can stretch the floor with KAT. They get a defensive-minded big that can provide a veteran front court presence. They get out of Dieng's contract. They get out of Teague's contract.
Davis-Randle-Hill-Butler-Moore lineup would be more competitive that their current team.