NBA Trade Grades: Wizards dumping Markieff Morris to Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans

Prior to the deadline, New Orleans was a team at a crossroads. AD had requested a trade, and the Pelicans were left to weigh the option of either trading him in the present or waiting to see if a better package would arise in the future.

Acquiring Morris always seemed like a weird play for New Orleans given the makeup of its roster, although now it makes a lot more sense with Shams Charania having reported the team’s plans to release the veteran forward. This leaves the Wizards’ second round pick as the only asset the Pelicans received for the services of Johnson.

Understanding the circumstances that have befallen them, the Pelicans know they’re heading toward a dreaded rebuild this coming summer, bringing to light the importance of acquiring as many draft picks as possible.

With a second round pick from Washington, the front office has already begun that arduous process, getting just the slightest of head starts on what is sure to be another dark time for the organization.

Grade: C+