Does this trade make sense for the New Orleans Pelicans?

The New Orleans Pelicans have to upgrade the roster sooner than later. While many people would like to see them take a swing for the fences for a player such as Damian Lillard, this one could help them more in the long term.

Yes, CJ McCollum isn’t on the same tier as his backcourt mate, but he can help elevate this Pelicans team. The team needs more 3-point shooting and McCollum delivers that in spades. 

He is a career 39.8 percent shooter and made a career-high 40.2 percent of his attempts this past season. Combined with newcomer Devonte’ Graham, the Pelicans now have two high-volume shooters that connect at a high clip from the 3-point line.

That kind of long-range shooting is imperative for the Pelicans offense to continue humming along. Zion Williamson is as dominant in the paint as any player in the NBA, so occupying defenses on the perimeter with high-level 3-point shooters will open lanes up even more for him to dominant.

With how many draft picks the organization compiled in the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday trades, surrendering one for McCollum won’t put much of a dent in their stockpile. The biggest takeaway from this deal is that the Pelicans are holding onto Brandon Ingram.

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To acquire players such as Lillard or Ben Simmons, Ingram would almost assuredly have to be included. Ingram is turning only 24 in September and already has an All-Star appearance under his belt. He is an excellent two-way player and already looks like one of the best point forwards in the NBA.

That is the kind of player you want to keep and build a roster around, not surrender in a trade. A trio of Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum will present a lot of issues for opposing defenses. Including Graham and their newly acquired center, Jonas Valanciunas would give the Pelicans a starting five capable of making a postseason run.