NBA Trade Rumors: 5 blockbuster deals that make sense

CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 04: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts against the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Nick’s Trade

Pelicans Get: Kemba Walker, Nic Batum

Hornets Get: Jrue Holiday, Solomon Hill, 2018 1st Rd Pick, 2018 2nd Rd Pick

Why it works: With Cousins done for the year, the Pelicans’ slim shot at beating the Warriors or Rockets in the playoffs is now gone. So they’re going to be worse, inherently, they’ll be getting a worse first round pick. With Kemba Walker supposedly on the trading block, he would bolster their offensive prowess from the perimeter immediately.

Swapping Batum and Hill makes the cap work, and helps Charlotte get younger with Hill being 26 and Batum 29. New Orleans throw in what will be a mid first rounder in this years loaded drafted and a second rounder. Both teams win. Hornets get to start moving in to a rebuild, and if all goes to plan in NOLA, a three headed monster of Kemba, Davis and Cousins might be good enough for a top 3 seed in the West come next season.