The NBA created two deals today, with four teams involved, and the Pelicans and Kings are clearly aimed at this year's playoffs. Two trades gave birth to two West End playoff spoilers.
First, the Blazers doubled their guns after more than 8 seasons of partnering, and finally parted ways. McCollum's addition will give the Pelicans a substantial boost, and he will be a powerful assistant to Ingram and Valanciunas this season. Although never selected as an All-Star, McCollum is still a scorer averaging 20+ points per game. Ingram made it clear, saying that McCollum could distract the opponent's defense, shoot the ball, and share his worries. The trio of Valanciunas + Ingram + McCollum will be a weapon for the Pelicans to impact the playoffs.
In addition, Nance Jr. can enhance the Pelicans' flank defense. Most commendably, the introduction of quasi-All-Stars like McCollum, the pelicans sent chips did not hurt the bones, and the main frame was retained.
The Pelicans' move was not only for the playoffs (after a recent four-game winning streak, the Pelicans were 10th in the West End with 22 wins and 32 losses), but also to keep Zion. Zion's rookie contract expires in 2023 and he qualifies to complete an early renewal this offseason. Zion hasn't played this season because of injuries, and there are even rumors that he may leave the Pelicans. Now, the Pelicans are using this to show Zion that they want to make a difference.
The Blazers sent Norman Powell and Covington to the Clippers before dismantling the double gun, and now McCollum and Nance Jr., bringing in players who are embarrassing. As a result, many people speculate that the pioneers are not going to rebuild?
According to Mingji, the Blazers are not rebuilding, but still want to build a lineup around Lillard. In today's deal, the Trail Blazers received a $21 million deal exception and created $60 million in salary space for this summer, as well as numerous draft picks and resources through deals with the Clippers and Pelicans. The Blazers' plan is to chase big names this summer, not to go backwards.
But the Blazers are unconvincing to say this, and more people think it is to appease Lillard. After all, the Blazers lineup is now deformed, with 12 guards on the team's 20-man roster and 15 players no taller than 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters). Some fans remind everyone that after the death of former boss Paul Allen, his sister Jody Allen took charge of the Blazers, but she had no interest in basketball, and the Blazers' interim general manager Joe Cronin was basically in a state of no constraint.
The other deal doesn't have much to say. The Pacers are determined to rebuild, and after sending away Sabonis Jr., they will continue to operate next, Brogdon is likely to be sent away; on the King's side, Sabonis Jr. is the first All-Star player to play for the Kings after Randolph, and the Hope of the Kings to impact this year's playoffs, but the Kings suddenly sent away Halliburton after promising not to tear down the backcourt double gun, causing a lot of condemnation in the industry and fans.
Two trades gave birth to two West End playoff spoilers. For now, the Pelicans have more hope than the Kings to make the playoffs. (Charm)