The New Orleans Pelicans already had one departure worked out, but they coordinated an arrival as well on the first evening of NBA free agency.
Hours after reportedly arranging a sign-and-trade deal to send point guard Lonzo Ball to Chicago, the Pelicans took part in another sign-and-trade deal to bring back point guard Devonte Graham from the Hornets, according to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Pelicans reportedly gave up a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick in the deal. Earlier in the day the Pelicans worked out a deal with the Bulls, who had inked Ball to a 4-year, $85 million offer sheet. The deal allowed the Pelicans to bring back point guard Tomas Satoransky and forward Garrett Temple, a Baton Rouge native and LSU alum.
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Graham is entering his 4th NBA season. The 6-1 guard is quick and an effective 3-point shooter, averaging over 38% on perimeter attempts each of the past two seasons. Graham averaged 14.8 points the last season while averaging 30 minutes a game despite a crowded Hornets backcourt that included last year's No. 3 overall pick LaMelo Ball.
Graham averaged a career-best 7.5 assists in his second NBA seasons and also averaged a steal per game.
The move was the latest in an offseason that's already seen a coaching change and a roster-shuffling trade. The day before Willie Green was announced as the Pelicans new head coach -- taking over for Stan Van Gundy after one season -- New Orleans struck a deal with Memphis that sent Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams out of town, while bringing back center Jonas Valanciunas. The Pelicans also sent out a future pick and moved back seven spots in last week's draft, with Memphis taking on a large salary burden.
New Orleans picked Virginia wing Trey Murphy III at No. 17, and selected Alabama wing Herbert Jones in the second round, trading their other late picks away.
With three starters guaranteed out of town and a decision looming on Josh Hart, the Pelicans will have a starkly different look the next time they take the floor.
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