Three-team deals are popular in the NBA. Sometimes, they’re just convenient. Two teams may have compatible interests. That doesn’t mean that they’ve got compatible assets. At times, a third team is required in order to make a deal make sense.
We saw this just recently. The Milwaukee Bucks wanted Damian Lillard. They didn’t have an interesting young player to offer them. The Phoenix Suns did. So, the Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers roped the Suns in. Now, Lillard is a Buck – thanks in no small part to the Suns.
Could we see another big three-team deal soon? There are other players around the league who are strong candidates to get moved. For example, Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers is likely to get moved soon. Could he land on the New Orleans Pelicans in a three-team deal?
The Trade Proposal
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Doug McDermott, F/C Khem Birch
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, G Kira Lewis Jr.
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G/F Buddy Hield
This deal isn’t only notable for including a third team. You’ll also notice that it doesn’t include any draft capital. That’s an oddity in today’s league. On the other hand, trades might start trending in that direction.
Look at Portland’s return for Lillard. They landed one unprotected first and a pair of swaps for one of the best offensive players in the NBA. Sure, they’re expected to swap Jrue Holiday for draft capital, but the point stands. Last summer, the Utah Jazz received four unprotected first-round picks for Rudy Gobert – and players as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs & Indiana Pacers Updates
Some suggested that the Gobert deal broke the market. Could the market be resetting? Are we likely to start seeing less draft capital sent out in deals? Should the Pacers really move Hield without getting a pick in return?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
In all likelihood, the Pacers won’t get much more than this for Hield anyway. He’s on an expiring contract. That’s why he’s available in the first place – it seems as if Hield and the Pacers can’t agree on his value. That may signal to other teams that Hield is expecting a lucrative contract next summer.
Here’s the appeal of this trade: the Pacers are landing his immediate replacement. McDermott isn’t quite as impactful as Hield, but he isn’t far off. He’s a similar player. The Pacers are moving an elite shooter and adding another one in turn.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs & Indiana Pacers Updates
Is it a lateral move? Sure. With that said, the Pacers seemingly want to stay competitive this season anyway. In that event, they simply need to replace Hield’s shooting. Should the Spurs move a shooter for a big man like Valanciunas?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Apparently, the Pelicans are looking to move Valancoiunas too. It’s being reported that the team is interested in replacing him with a more defensive-minded big man. Should the Spurs be concerned with Valanciunas’ defensive limitations?
In a word: no. The Pelicans are under pressure to make the playoffs next season. Realistically, they’d like to win a series or two. The Spurs will have more humble aspirations. More than anything, they’ll be interested in the development of their stud rookie Victor Wembanyama.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs & Indiana Pacers Updates
Valanciunas could help with that cause. The slimmer Wembanyama may not be ready for the rigors that come with playing the 5 in the NBA as a rookie. The beefier Valanciunas can handle that physicality. Meanwhile, his ability to space the floor could benefit the Spurs in the short term. Should the Pelicans give up their floor spacing 5?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Well, the Pelicans wouldn’t have any spacing concerns if they made this move. They’re flipping Valanciunas for one of the best shooters in the NBA. Adding Hield ought to make them a better team in 2023-24.
Will they need to replace Valanciunas? Sure. That shouldn’t be difficult. The Pelicans have an impressive collection of assets. They could make an aggressive play for one of the league’s better defensive bigs. Alternatively, they could easily target a low-cost option like Nerlens Noel or Richaun Holmes on the trade market.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Buddy Hield, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs & Indiana Pacers Updates
Either way, this is about landing Hield. His shooting gravity would make it impossible for teams to guard Zion Williamson when he’s forcing his way into the paint. This deal should make New Orleans a better team – even if they need a third team to facilitate it.
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