NBA free agency got underway Monday and the big news locally is that Lonzo Ball will no longer be a Pelican. Ball, who was a centerpiece of the Anthony Davis trade along with Brandon Ingram, is leaving New Orleans after posting career-highs in points per game, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage. However, it did not lead to winning as the Pelicans missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

While Ball’s numbers were good overall, there were too many games where he was not a reliable option. The former second overall pick still drew a great deal of interest in free agency. That led Ball to Chicago in a sign-and-trade.

Ball can still be a really good player in the NBA, but it became clear it would not be in New Orleans. He missed the final three games in what was a disappointing season. There were rumors Ball would be dealt before the 2020-21 trade deadline, but that never happened.

The Pelicans will look for a resurgence with their other young stars, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. In return for Ball, New Orleans received Garrett Temple and Tomas Satoransky. While neither brings the excitement that Ball did, they both can provide a veteran presence.

The Pelicans did address shooting in a sign-and-trade for Devonte’ Graham.

Graham averaged 14.8 points per game and shot 37.5% on 3-pointers in Charlotte last season.

The NBA offseason is still a long ways from over. Could we see more moves from the Pelicans’ front office?

OUTTA HERE!