SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Buddy Hield #24 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on while there's a break in the action against the Sacramento Kings during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on November 8, 2016 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
NBA Trades: 3-team trade would land Buddy Hield on New Orleans Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 28: Buddy Hield #24 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three pointer against the LA Clippers during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on December 28, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans won the game 102-98, NBA Trades: 3-team trade would land Buddy Hield on New Orleans Pelicans. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
The New Orleans Pelicans made things happen last season. After struggling to start off the season, they battled all the way back, eventually winning both play-in games.
Not only did they earn the eighth seed in the playoffs, but they put up a valiant effort against the first-seeded Phoenix Suns. Their young players and veterans put on a real show.
They made a real splash at the trade deadline, adding shooting guard CJ McCollum to the squad, and the addition really helped shape the rest of the season for them.
NBA Trades: 3-teamer would land Buddy Hield on New Orleans Pelicans
He helped mentor the younger players on the team, who also added a ton of value during the postseason. Guys like Jose Alvarado, Trey Murphy, and Herbert Jones all played huge roles for the Pelicans in the playoffs.
New Orleans showed just enough last season to the point where there are going to be some expectations for them heading into next year. They’ll be expected to not only make the playoffs, but advance.
With Zion Williamson set to make his return, the Pelicans should be able to make some noise, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some holes on their roster that need to be filled.
One area of need for New Orleans is three-point shooting. They were the fourth-worst three-point shooting team in the NBA last year, so adding some shooting would be ideal.
Since free agency has dried up, for the most part, attacking the trade market should be a good idea for the Pelicans, and this three-team trade would help them do just that.
