trade

Jim Eichenhofer

1)      The No. 27 pick of the 2015 NBA Draft, Nance’s seven seasons in the league have been split between the Lakers, Cleveland and Portland. His father is one of the greatest players in Cleveland franchise history, with No. 22 retired in Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in his honor. When Nance Jr. initially was traded to the Cavaliers in 2018, he chose to wear No. 24, but eventually switched to No. 22 with Nance Sr.’s urging. Nance Jr. wore his dad’s old Phoenix No. 22 jersey while participating in the dunk contest at All-Star weekend in 2018.

2)      Nance’s move to Cleveland came at a perfect time, because after never appearing in the NBA playoffs during his Los Angeles tenure, he was part of the Cavaliers’ 2018 run to the Finals. Nance played in 20 postseason games, including all four games of a championship-round defeat vs. a powerhouse Golden State club. With New Orleans, Nance will be seeking a second trip to the playoffs (the Cavaliers’ most recent postseason game was June 8, 2018).

3)      He’s been sidelined by a knee injury since Jan. 5, after playing in each of Portland’s first 37 games this season, making 11 starts. His top statistical game of 2021-22 occurred Nov. 17, when he went for 16 points and nine rebounds in a home win over Chicago. Two days earlier, Nance was 7/7 from the field and notched 15 points to help beat Toronto.

4)      Like Portland and New Orleans teammate C.J. McCollum, Nance was born in Ohio. As was the case with NBA All-Stars Stephen Curry and LeBron James, Nance’s birthplace in the Buckeye State is Akron. He went to high school in Richfield, Ohio, the former location of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ home arena.

5)      Also like McCollum, Nance had to carve out a spot in the NBA without going to a storied college basketball program. Nance played four seasons at the University of Wyoming in the Mountain West Conference. He averaged a modest 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds, but zoomed up NBA draft boards due to his size (6-foot-7, 245 pounds), energy and athleticism. Per 36 minutes, he’s averaged 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals over 387 pro games.

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Five things to know about Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr.

1)      The No. 20 pick of the 2013 NBA Draft, Snell has played for five different teams over his nine-year career, suiting up for Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta and Portland. He’s played a total of 586 regular season games, making 308 starts, with roughly half (151) of the latter coming with Milwaukee. He started 10 times in 38 appearances for Portland this season.

2)      Snell led the NBA in three-point percentage (56.9) last season among all players who made at least 50 treys. He was 62/109 over 47 games played for Atlanta. The Hawks went 29-18 in games Snell played and eventually reached the 2021 Eastern Conference finals.

3)      Like Portland and New Orleans teammate C.J. McCollum, Snell’s career three-point percentage puts him near the top of the list among active NBA players. Snell is at 39.4 percent, 0.2 behind McCollum’s career rate. Snell’s percentage has dipped to 32.0 this season while seeing less playing time for the Trail Blazers, but over a six-year stretch, he shot at least 36.1 percent every season. Including last season’s red-hot rate, he’s been over 40 percent in four separate campaigns.

4)      Speaking of accurate shooting, credit to ESPN.com writer Andrew Lopez for pointing out that Snell has not missed a free throw in the NBA since the 2018-19 season. He is 3/3 this season, was 11/11 last season and perfect in 32 attempts in ’19-20, adding up to 46 straight makes over three years. Coincidentally, his most recent missed foul shot occurred in the Smoothie King Center while playing for Milwaukee on March 12, 2019. He’s made 50 in a row since.

5)      A native of Los Angeles, Snell played college basketball for New Mexico in the Mountain West Conference, the same league as Pelicans acquisition Larry Nance Jr. (Wyoming). Snell has bragging rights over Nance, with the Lobos going 4-0 against the Cowboys over the two seasons their college careers overlapped.

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Five things to know about Pelicans guard Tony Snell

Pelicans.com

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has acquired CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers. In exchange, New Orleans has conveyed Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart, Didi Louzada, Tomáš Satoranský, a protected 2022 first round draft pick, and two future second round draft picks.

McCollum, 6-3, 190, has appeared in 36 games (all starts) for Portland this season, averaging 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 35.2 minutes per game while shooting .436 from the field and .384 from deep. Drafted tenth overall by Portland in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Lehigh, the nine-year NBA veteran has appeared in 564 career games (467 starts) with the Blazers, averaging 19.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 31.5 minutes per game while shooting .453 from the field and .396 from deep. McCollum has also appeared in 57 career playoff games (47 starts) throughout his career, averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 35.1 minutes per contest.

Nance Jr., 6-7, 245, has appeared in 37 games (11 starts) for Portland this season, averaging 6.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 23.2 minutes per game. Drafted 27th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Wyoming, Nance Jr. has appeared in 387 career games (134 starts) with Portland, Cleveland, and the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 8.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 24.1 minutes per game.

Snell, 6-6, 213, has appeared in 38 games (10 starts) for Portland this season, averaging 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game. Drafted 20th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft out of New Mexico, Snell has appeared in 586 career games (308 starts) with Portland, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Chicago, averaging 6.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 21.9 minutes per game. Snell has also appeared in 47 career playoff games (8 starts) throughout his career, averaging 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in 12.7 minutes per contest.

Alexander-Walker, 6-5, 205, whose draft rights were originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks via trade on July 7, 2019, has appeared in 50 games (19 starts) for the Pelicans this season, averaging 12.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 26.3 minutes per game. In three seasons with New Orleans, Alexander-Walker appeared in 143 games (33 starts), averaging 9.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 20.4 minutes per game.

Hart, 6-5, 215, who was originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team trade on July 6, 2019, appeared in 41 games (40 starts) for New Orleans this season, averaging 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. Hart has appeared in 283 career games (105 starts) with New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers, holding averages of 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.0 minutes per game.

Louzada, 6-5, 210, whose draft rights were originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks via trade on July 7, 2019, appeared in five games off the bench for the Pelicans over the last two seasons, averaging 1.6 points and 1.0 rebound in 12.6 minutes per game.

Satoranský, 6-7, 210, who was originally acquired by New Orleans from the Chicago Bulls on August 8, 2021, appeared in 32 games (three starts) for the Pelicans this season, averaging 2.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 15.0 minutes per game. Satoranský has appeared in 365 career games (172 starts) over six seasons with New Orleans, Chicago, and Washington, averaging 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 22.4 minutes per game.

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Pelicans acquire CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell

1)      The No. 10 pick of the 2013 NBA Draft, McCollum had spent his entire nine-year career with Portland. After filling a reserve role in his first two seasons with the Trail Blazers, he had been a model of consistency as their starting shooting guard next to Damian Lillard. McCollum has averaged 20-plus points in seven consecutive seasons, including putting up 20.5 a night in 2021-22. He established his career high in that category last season at 23.1.

2)      Speaking of consistency, McCollum has been one of the NBA’s premier three-point shooters over his entire career, shooting at least 37.5 percent every season. His career rate of 39.6 percent, with nearly 1,300 makes, ranks 16th among all active players, according to Basketball Reference. Among the 15 players ahead of him, the only perennial high-usage offensive players are Stephen Curry (42.9 percent) and Klay Thompson (41.8).

3)      He immediately multiplies the amount of overall and postseason experience New Orleans has on its roster. McCollum has played in a total of 62 NBA playoff games, helping to lead Portland to the Western Conference finals in 2019. In the second round that spring against Denver, McCollum poured in 41 points in a Game 3 victory, as well as 37 points in Game 7 on Denver’s home floor. He’s played in 564 regular season games, making 467 starts.

4)      McCollum is heavily interested in journalism, having graduated from Lehigh University in 2013 with a degree in that subject. In Portland, he launched a mentorship program for students called “CJ’s Press Pass,” which gave them behind-the-scenes media experience. In 2019, Lehigh’s newspaper described McCollum’s background thusly: “Some people dream of becoming a professional athlete. Some, a journalist. Some, both.” McCollum hosts a podcast and has written for The Players Tribune.

5)      McCollum first became known to basketball fans on a national scale when Lehigh upset Duke in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament. The 15th-seeded Mountain Hawks eliminated the No. 2 seed by a 75-70 margin, beating a Blue Devils squad that featured future notable NBA players Austin Rivers, Seth Curry, Mason Plumlee, Miles Plumlee and Quinn Cook. McCollum helped stun Duke by scoring 30 points, to go with six rebounds and six assists.

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Five things to know about Pelicans guard CJ McCollum

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has acquired guard Tomáš Satoranský, guard Garrett Temple, a 2024 second round pick and cash considerations from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Lonzo Ball. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not announced.

“Tomáš and Garrett will bring incredible veteran presence, feel and versatility to both sides of the floor for our lineup,” said Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin. “Both have also distinguished themselves as teammates and leaders in their communities. We couldn’t be happier to welcome them to New Orleans.”

Satoranský, 6-7, 210, appeared in 55 games (18 starts) for the Bulls last season and averaged 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 22.5 minutes per game. Originally drafted 32nd overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, Satoranský has appeared in 333 career games (169 starts) over five seasons with Washington and Chicago, averaging 7.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 23.2 minutes per contest.

Temple, 6-5, 195, who is entering his 12th NBA season, has appeared in 632 career games (272 starts), averaging 6.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 21.7 minutes per contest. The LSU product appeared in 56 games (25 starts) for Chicago last season and averaged 7.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 27.3 minutes per game.

“In his two seasons with us, Lonzo has had a profound impact on this team and upon this community,” added Griffin. “His growth and development as a player have been evident and his charitable works, while largely unheralded, have been every bit as impressive. We appreciate his total contributions to the Pelicans’ family and wish him every success moving forward.”

Ball, 6-6, 190, appeared in 118 games (109 starts) over the last two seasons with the Pelicans, averaging 13.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Ball has appeared in 217 career games (204 starts) over the last four seasons with the Lakers and Pelicans, holding averages of 11.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.

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Pelicans acquire Tomáš Satoranský and Garrett Temple

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has traded the draft rights to Brandon Boston, the 51st overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for a protected 2022 second-round draft pick (via Sacramento) and cash considerations.

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Pelicans complete trade with Clippers

1)      Graham’s breakout NBA season occurred in 2019-20 with Charlotte. He made an astronomical and nearly unprecedented jump in scoring average, going from 4.7 points per game as a rookie to 18.2. That production led the Hornets during what turned out be a pandemic-shortened campaign. He finished fifth in the NBA’s Most Improved Player vote, trailing award winner Brandon Ingram of New Orleans, as well as Miami’s Bam Adebayo, Dallas’ Luka Doncic and Boston’s Jayson Tatum.

2)      His role changed somewhat in 2020-21, partly due to Charlotte’s addition of point guard LaMelo Ball, the NBA’s Rookie of the Year. Graham was also hampered a bit by injuries, appearing in 55 of 72 regular season games for the Hornets (he started in 44 of those 55 appearances). Despite being sidelined for portions of the season, he averaged 14.8 points and scored 30-plus points twice, in games vs. Denver and Phoenix.

3)      In the two seasons in which he’s played significant minutes, the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has proven to be one of the league’s most effective three-point shooters, at a very high volume. He shot 37.3 percent two seasons ago and 37.5 percent in 2020-21, while launching 9.3 and 8.7 attempts per game, respectively. By comparison, no New Orleans player has averaged more than 8.5 treys a game in any season since Baron Davis fired 8.7 in 2003-04.

4)      A native of Raleigh, N.C., one theme of Graham’s basketball career has been being a bit overlooked at first, but later proving he can perform at a high level. In high school, Graham initially was committed to play for Appalachian State in Boone, N.C., but later dominated at prep school Brewster Academy and received offers from many prominent NCAA programs. He chose the University of Kansas over Atlantic Coast Conference schools North Carolina and Virginia. After four seasons with the Jayhawks – despite being a first-team All-American as a senior – he wasn’t picked until the second round (No. 34 overall) of the 2018 NBA Draft. By his second pro season, he emerged as his team’s leading scorer.

5)      Despite being a second-round pick in what’s proven to be a very talented 2018 draft class, Graham ranks ninth among that year’s 60 selections in career points (2,178) and third in assists (887, behind only Trae Young and Doncic). He is also eighth in free-throw percentage (82.2) and 10th in total minutes (4,546).

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Five things to know about Pelicans guard Devonte’ Graham

1)      Now nine years into his NBA career, the 29-year-old continues to get better, averaging career highs last season in scoring average (17.1), rebounding average (12.5) and field-goal percentage (59.2). He ranked third in the NBA in rebounds, behind only Atlanta’s Clint Capela (14.3 rpg) and Utah’s Rudy Gobert (13.5). Valanciunas averaged 15.9 rebounds per 36 minutes, fourth in the league (trailing only Philadelphia’s Dwight Howard, Capela and Portland’s Enes Kanter).

2)      He was an underrated yet vital contributor for Memphis’ two straight postseason-contending teams, helping the Grizzlies reach the play-in round in 2020, then helping to spark them to a Western Conference playoff berth in 2021. During the 9-10 play-in game at FedEx Forum this May, Valanciunas punished San Antonio in the paint, to the tune of 23 points and 23 rebounds. In the West quarterfinal round vs. No. 1 seed Utah, he averaged 15.0 points and 9.8 rebounds.

3)      At 6-foot-11, 265 pounds, he frequently uses his frame to post up in the paint and score over his defender, relying on footwork and skill around the rim. In recent years, he’s also begun to expand his shooting range, attempting just over one three-pointer per game in his two-plus seasons with Memphis. Valanciunas only fired a total of four treys in his first five NBA seasons, but since then he’s made 97, including going 53/148 the past two campaigns, or 36 percent.

4)      Born in Lithuania, Valanciunas is one of 13 players in NBA history who are natives of that nation (the first was Sarunas Marciulionis in 1990). There were three Lithuanians who played at least one game during the 2020-21 season, a list that includes Valanciunas, Ignas Brazdeikis (last with Orlando) and Deividas Sirvydis (Detroit). Previous natives of Lithuania in New Orleans franchise history are Donatas Motiejunas, Darius Songaila and Arvydas Macijauskas. The all-time NBA career leader from that country in various statistical categories is retired center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

5)      The fifth overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, Valanciunas remained in Europe for one season before debuting with Toronto in 2012-13. His first official NBA game was a sign of things to come, as he posted a double-double vs. Indiana. Valanciunas spent six-plus seasons with the Raptors, part of five straight playoff teams, including reaching the 2018 Eastern Conference finals. He’s played in a total of 48 career postseason contests, including five with Memphis this spring. His career playoff averages are 12.9 points and 9.5 rebounds.

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Five things to know about Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas

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