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NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on signings and trades

By Josh Cornelissen

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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NBA Free Agency
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2021 NBA Free Agency Grades: New Orleans Pelicans

Key Additions: Devonte’ Graham (4-yr, $47 million); Jonas Valanciunas (trade); Tomas Satoransky (trade); Garrett Temple (3-yr, $15 million)

Brought Back: Didi Louzada (4-yr, $7.2 million); Willy Hernangomez (3-yr, undisclosed)

Key Departures: Lonzo Ball (Chicago); Eric Bledsoe (trade to Memphis); Steven Adams (trade to Memphis); James Johnson (Brooklyn)

The New Orleans Pelicans are feeling pressure to compete now, to prove to their young superstar Zion Williamson that they can put a contender around him. Whether that pressure comes from Williamson, his family or just media buzz, it is clear the Pelicans are trying to accelerate the clock in building a contender.

They also clearly don’t know how to do that. The Pelicans burned a future first and dropped back in this year’s draft to offload the salaries of Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams, the latter of which was only under contract because New Orleans signed him to a needless extension last year. They used that cap space to do…nothing.

What they did decide was they wanted any point guard but Lonzo Ball, who they let walk to the Chicago Bulls at a very reasonable number. To replace him they sent another first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets to bring back Devonte’ Graham, who is a willing shooter who doesn’t put much pressure on the rim; in other words, he will likely be in the similar role as Ball was last year, with less defensive impact. The contract they signed him to is just fine, but paying a first for Charlotte not to match was excessive.

The Pelicans still need to get a deal done with restricted free agent Josh Hart. Without knowing what that contract looks like, at this point, it’s easy to say that New Orleans has had one of the worst offseasons in the league.

Grade: D+

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