Storyline: This deal gave both teams what they wanted. It gives the Kings something to build on and it puts the Pels on the verge of being a contender.
A blockbuster deal was announced after the All-Star Game on Sunday night. The Sacramento Kings’ DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi go to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and first- and second-round picks.
Who got the better end of this deal?
To answer, let’s start by looking at what the trade does for Sacramento.
Courtesy: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
I see it helping in three important ways. First, it helps the Kings get deeper at the guard spot to compensate for all of Sacramento’s front court players, like Koufos and Cauley-Stein. Second, the team gets an almost clean salary cap. The highest salaried player is Rudy Gay, who will make $13,3 million this season. Cap space gives the Kings flexibility to sign free agents, whether it be this off-season or in the future. Finally, the Kings made out in the draft pick department. They get the Pelicans’ 1st Round pick (Hield) and a future 1st- and 2nd-Round picks.
What does the trade do for New Orleans? First, it elevates the team significantly. New Orleans has the best front court in the NBA. Second, they achieved that goal without having to sacrifice much. While just about everybody fell for the hype over Buddy Hield–largely because of his March Madness tournament performance last year–his productivity in NOLA has been underwhelming. His best skill (shooting 3’s) has looked poor at times and he’s shooting under 37% on the season. It may be too early to say that he’s a bust, but Hield just hasn’t looked good.
Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (photo, Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)
That’s saying a mouthful because the Pels really need solid guard play. Currently, they’re mediocre at best with Jrue Holiday, Tim Frazier, Quincy Pondexter, and E’Twuan Moore. On the other hand, they have too many power forwards and centers (N=6). So the Pels need to get move one or two bigs in exchange for a guard or two.
So, overall, how did this trade shake out?
I think the Kings are in hardcore tank mode–at least for now–while the Pelicans are another big move away (at guard) from being a NBA contender. The good news for New Orleans is that the NBA is point guard deep. Without another trade the Pels will need to create a way to beat the system by not having a talented point guard.
Does this deal help both teams? I’d say so. And it really helps Davis and Cousins. Neither player had an All-Star as a companion and now they both do. With two Kentucky “bigs” in NOLA the Pels will be a very interesting team to watch.
My take is that the Pels will build the team around Anthony Davis, a player who might be “The Next Guy Up” when LeBron starts to decline (if he ever does). If (or when) that happens, Davis could well end up being that best player in the League.
The Pistons’ Reggie Jackson (photo, Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports)
This blockbuster deal gives both teams exactly what they wanted: the Kings have something to build on and the Pels are on the verge of being a contender.
What NO needs now is a talented guard who can score from the perimeter and facilitate the ball. Come Wednesday (and with the trade deadline looming) expect the Pels to make an offer for Reggie Jackson.
