Heat forward Jarnell Stokes traded to Pelicans

The Miami Heat have traded power forward Jarnell Stokes to the New Orleans Pelicans for a protected draft pick.

The Miami Heat have traded power forward Jarnell Stokes to the New Orleans Pelicans for a protected draft pick, the teams announced.

The deal was first reported by ESPN’s Zach Lowe.

The Pelicans are still determining whether or not they will commit a roster spot to Stokes.

The draft pick, which is likely to never change teams, is going to Miami in return, according to Ira Winderman of the Orlando Sun-Sentineland Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

The Heat have also included nearly $700,000 in cash for New Orleans to take Stokes, which reduces Miami’s tax bill by a further $2 million, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.

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Stokes is averaging 1.0 points and 0.6 rebounds in seven games this season with the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat.

- Christopher Chavez