The New Orleans Pelicans’ trade of Jrue Holiday on Monday not only came as shocking in its occurrence but also in its return for the franchise. Holiday had established himself as an elite defender with a complementary offensive game, but the Pelicans netted three unprotected first round draft picks, two pick swaps and a pair of guards in Eric Bledsoe and George Hill in the trade, a staggering return.
While the players received in the Anthony Davis trade were of much higher value given their age, the draft compensation received is comparable. Add in the Pelicans trading last year’s No. 4 pick for more assets and the net returns in the two deals quickly grows into something quite impressive.
From a player standpoint, the Pelicans have added (for now) Bledsoe, Hill, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the roster in the last two off-seasons. Ingram earned an All-Star nod in his first season with the Pelicans as well as taking home the league’s Most Improved Player award.
Though they haven’t yet – and may not ever – play for New Orleans, Bledsoe and Hill have had decorated careers as well. Hill has played 12 seasons and has established himself as one of the better role players in the league. Bledsoe holds more individual accolades, earning First Team All-Defense honors in 2018-19 and Second Team All-Defense honors in 2019-20.
Along with the players, though, the Pelicans received a trove of draft picks. In total, including their own picks, the Pelicans will have 28 draft picks over the next eight drafts with the lion’s share of those picks coming from the two trades.
From the Lakers, the Pelicans netted the No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft which they turned into Hayes, Alexander-Walker, Marcos Louzada Silva (who spent last season in the NBL and will do so again in 2020-21) and two second-round picks. On top of that, New Orleans will own either the Lakers 2021 or 2022 first based on protections and either their 2024 or 2025 first with the Pelicans having the choice as to which year. New Orleans will also have the right to swap picks in the 2023 draft.
From the Bucks, the protections are much simpler. New Orleans will get Milwaukee’s 2025 and 2027 first round picks. On top of that, the Pelicans will have pick swaps with the Bucks in 2024 and 2026.
Ultimately, through the two trades and subsequent dealings, the Pelicans have netted six first round picks and will have an additional three pick swaps. That comes on top of a host of players and potential other trades involving Bledsoe and Hill this off-season.
For a franchise that has seen its two franchise cornerstones dealt inside the last 18 months, netting nearly a roster’s worth of players and nearly a dozen first round draft picks is as good of a return as one could possibly hope.