Some NBA fans don’t know how rare 3-and-D wings are. Sure, they’re a popular archetype in theory. In practice, they’re more difficult to find than you might think.
Sometimes, players get that label when they don’t deserve it. Perhaps they’re a knockdown shooter who has the physical tools to defend but doesn’t use them. Alternatively, they may be a lockdown defender who only has one good three-point shooting season on their resume.
That’s no problem for the New Orleans Pelicans. They have two true 3-and-D wings. Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones both meet the requirements to earn that label. Could the Pelicans send Jones to the Los Angeles Lakers this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Rui Hachimura, 2029 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Herbert Jones
For some time in the NBA, the 3-and-D wing wasn’t so popular. At least, we didn’t view players through that lens. In reality, the league has had 3-and-D players as long as there’s been a three-point line.
Older readers will remember Bruce Bowen and Shane Battier. They were 3-and-D wings. At the time, they were mostly recognized for their defensive acumen. Why?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Well, the three-point shot was generally less important. Players like Bowen and Battier could shoot and defend, but they weren’t expected to shoot as often. Those players existed – but we didn’t properly understand the value of them. Are the Pelicans undervaluing Jones here?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Soon, the Pelicans will have to decide on a contract for Murphy III. It’s likely to be substantial. Whether they extend him or let him hit restricted free agency, he’s going to command a hefty sum.
By contrast, Jones is on a team-friendly deal. Still, the Pelicans may want to avoid committing so much of their cap space to 3-and-D wings. Rumors have already suggested that they could look to move Jones.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If they are, they should prioritize draft capital. In all likelihood, the Pelicans will look to flip Hachimura down the line – this is about the pick for them. Should the Lakers give up an asset for Jones?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers are widely expected to pursue some backcourt help this summer. Jones isn’t the player most have in mind. The Lakers are expected to find a star guard who can ease LeBron James’ playmaking burden.
Fair. On the other hand, adding an elite defender would also make James’ life easier. Getting stops makes for easier offense, and James can conserve more energy on that end of the floor alongside Jones.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Besides, the Lakers simply need talent. Jones is the type of player that teams have historically sought to put next to LeBron James – why should the Lakers be an exception? After all, every modern team needs 3-and-D wings – no matter how rare they are.
