Pelicans land Devonte’ Graham in sign-and-trade after losing Lonzo Ball

After losing Lonzo Ball to the Chicago Bulls after a sign-and-trade deal, Devonte Graham commits to a sign-and-trade sending the Hornets guard to New Orleans. 

The New Orleans Pelicans took a fatal blow in losing Lonzo Ball to the Chicago Bulls. Ball took a sign-and-trade deal worth $85 million over four years, leaving the Pels high and dry, but it’s not completely unsurprising. However, what they lose in Ball, they gain in acquiring Charlotte Hornets guard Devonte’ Graham.

Graham started off shaky in his first season of 2018-19 before turning up the gas the following season. He averaged nearly 20 points per game and made for a great addition to a team that was looking to make some statements. The addition of another Ball Brother would dampen the hype for Graham. However, his move to New Orleans could be all the growth, development and hype he needs.

The Pelicans acquire Graham from the Hornets in exchange for a lottery protected first-round pick in 2022.

Graham will commit to a sign-and-trade deal worth $47 million over four years. The Hornets will receive New Orleans’ lottery-protected first-round pick in next year’s NBA Draft.

Whether this will be worth it or not is really something that will have to be determined with time, but after losing Lonzo Ball, Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams in the same offseason, the Pels have filled at least one starter spot as they look to rebuild around Zion Williamson.