NBA Trades: 7 center trade targets the Pelicans must chase to avoid disaster

The start of September means that NBA training camp will soon begin, and we'll get a closer look at the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans have reshaped their roster over the summer but are still in the process of finding a starting center. If that weren't enough, they are shopping for one of their two stars, which could be their best chance to fill their hole at the center.

Trading one of their best players this late in the summer is risky and they may be better served waiting until the trade deadline. However, their lack of size at the rim could pose a big problem for a team that has championship aspirations. Next, we will take a look at seven potential center trade options for the Pelicans and see which players make the most sense.

7) Brook Lopez

Given the limited trade options available to New Orleans, they could explore unconventional strategies such as pursuing Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks. Lopez is rumored to be available in trade talks and while he is 35 years old, he'd be a terrific fit for the Pelicans. After all, he is an elite rim protector and an effective shooter from the outside.

That would make him an ideal fit playing next to Zion and give them enough offense from the center position. He'd also be an idea secondary screener for Murray, who has experience playing with a big man who can knock down shots from outside with Murray being able to get him open looks.

On paper, his fit with the Pels is great but the Bucks would probably ask for Herb Jones in return for Lopez. Even if they didn't, the Pelicans would have a hard time matching salary without giving up a rotation player or two. Milwaukee could always expand a potential trade by packaging Lopez and saying Pat Connaughton together to help match salary. At the moment, a deal still seems unlikely but it might be something that both teams may consider closer to the trade deadline.