NBA: Grading the notable moves from the first day of free agency

Pelicans sign Devonte’ Graham for 4 years/$47M

Grade: C-

Another moving part between these teams is Devonte’ Graham, who goes to the Pelicans.

Graham is on a great contract, which makes this trade worth something for the Pelicans. Their downfall is that they gave up a lottery-protected first-round pick in 2022 to acquire him from Charlotte. When you’re giving up a better player in Ball AND giving up a first-round pick as a rebuilding team, it doesn’t usually grade well.

Hornets steal a first-round pick

Grade: A

After drafting James Bouknight, the Hornets had some congestion at guard on their roster. Acquiring a first-round pick and a valuable trade exception for Graham was a steal.