Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal 

Most readers will probably instinctually like this deal for the Pelicans. Normally, that’s what happens when you get the best player in a deal. At the same time, some will have second thoughts from their point of view. 

From a roster construction point of view, it makes less sense. After all, McCollum is a 2/1, whereas Brown is more of a 3/2 or a 2/3. The Pelicans probably intended to start McCollum at the point this year, and it’s hard to say who would take the responsibility in his absence. 

That’s a secondary concern. The primary concern is upgrading talent. The Pelicans could easily run with Devonte’ Graham or Jose Alvarado at the point. Ultimately, Brown is enough of an upgrade to render it a moot point. 

Primarily, he boosts the Pelicans’ defense tremendously. McCollum isn’t exactly known to thrive in that area, whereas Brown is a strong point-of-attack defender. For a team whose defense looks shaky on paper, that’s worth the price of a pair of first-round picks. 

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After all, the Pelicans would have an extremely lofty ceiling following this deal – no matter whose team they are.