Why The Pelicans Do This Trade
The New Orleans Pelicans have to keep upgrading the roster through every avenue possible. The decision to not match the offer sheet for Lonzo Ball and then to trade a future first-round draft pick for Devonte’ Graham will be under the microscope for a long time.
But, if there is one thing that Graham brings to the table that the Pelicans need it is high-volume, efficient 3-point shooting. Buddy Hield would do the same.
Hield is a 40.6 percent shooter in his career. The 39.1 percent he made this season was the second-worst percentage he has shot in a season, which speaks volumes of how consistent he has been throughout his career. He made 4.0 3-pointers per game this season on 10.2 attempts.
His presence will help open things up for Zion Williamson to operate on the interior as well. Williamson was truly dominant in the paint this past season and that was with the Pelicans ranking 26th in 3-point shooting percentage last season. Imagine what he could do being surrounded by players who command attention from opposing defenses on the perimeter.
The package to acquire him is also palatable. It seems unlikely that Josh Hart was going to return, so turning him into a useable asset such as Hield is a great move. Satoransky is expendable, as New Orleans has two young backcourt players in Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis Jr. they want to give playing time.
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The draft capital is easy to stomach as well as New Orleans is flowing with extra draft picks from the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday deals the past two offseasons.
