The New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers made the first significant splash ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline as a package centered around star guard CJ McCollum is heading to the Big Easy. Going with him is Tony Snell and Larry Nance, while the Blazers received a bunch of assets in return including Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and several draft picks.
Let's take a look at the whole blockbuster and see who won the trade.
Pelicans Grade: A-
The Pelicans aren't in contention right now, but they've certainly improved since a 1-12 start to the season. NOLA is 21-32 and could absolutely make a play-in spot, especially after the acquisition of McCollum. He's a seasoned veteran in this league and is in the midst of a solid campaign, averaging 20.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game on 38% shooting from three-point land. While it's unknown when Zion Williamson will return to the Pelicans, his arrival is only going to make this team even better.
Their current core consists of Jonas Valanciunas, Brandon Ingram, McCollum, Zion, and Devonte' Graham. There's a combination of scoring, shooting, defense, and size. CJ knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and gives the Pels backcourt consistency on both ends.
As for Larry Nance and Tony Snell, they probably won't have a huge impact. But Nance is known to be one of the best defenders at his position in the Association. That can only help a Pelicans squad who rank 21st in defensive rating. New Orleans did a fine job here getting the guard they desperately needed to pair with Zion and Ingram in particular. It could also help them keep Williamson away from the Knicks.
Blazers Grade: C+
At first glance, how did the Blazers get any better? Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Tomas Satoransky aren't exactly players who are going to elevate Portland to championship heights. A first-rounder and two second-round picks will certainly help, but the clear takeaway in this trade with the Pelicans is the Blazers clear a bunch of cap space for this summer to acquire high-end talent for Damian Lillard. There is no sign of him returning at any point this season, especially because the team is absolutely dreadful right now. They just traded away Norman Powell and Robert Covington as well. While it feels like a rebuild, Portland has made it clear that signing impact players in free agency is the goal.
Also, Alexander-Walker is a promising youngster with a high ceiling. Hart is a respectable starter at the NBA level. The draft capital is a huge plus no doubt, but it's the amount of money they will now have this summer. the Blazers opened up $21 million in trade exception and upwards of $60 million in salary-cap space.
Sure, the Pelicans definitely won this blockbuster at the moment. But in the coming months, it could prove to be a huge deal for the Blazers, depending on the type of moves made in free agency. One thing is for sure, if the organization doesn't make a big splash, Dame is going to have no choice but to leave.
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