Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Lonzo Ball

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Patrick Beverley, LAC 2023 2nd Round Pick

In his first three years in the NBA, Lonzo Ball has been extremely undervalued as he is a really good point guard and can help his team in more ways than one. He is not an explosive scorer and not known for being a scorer, but can be a great passer, facilitator, rebounder, defender… you name it, Lonzo Ball can likely do it.

Last season with the Pelicans, he averaged 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.4 steals and shot 37.5% from three-point range. He had a great season with New Orleans last year, but there are some question marks about his future with the Pelicans due to them having Eric Bledsoe and rookie Kira Lewis Jr. also in the backcourt. 

Lonzo’s value is at an all-time high right now, especially given his solid start to the season, which is why the Pelicans could look to trade him for a player or two who can help them immediately in their playoff push this season. 

Patrick Beverley has been the “heart-and-soul” of the Clippers over the years and has been arguably their best on-ball defender, but with him growing older and Los Angeles needing impact talent on both ends of the court, they could be willing to trade him for a young all-around talent like Ball. 

Now in his 9th season, Patrick Beverley has averaged 8.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and has shot 38.3% from three-point range. He could definitely make an impact for a defensive-oriented team like the Pelicans, which is why they may be willing to do this deal. 

Let’s take a closer look as to why this trade makes sense for both the Pelicans and the Clippers.