New Orleans Pelicans: Buddy Hield trade will help fuel the rivalry
Buddy Hield and the New Orleans Pelicans will always have a connection.
The Pelicans drafted Hield sixth overall in the 2016 and it looked as though he was going to be a part of the team’s core.
But then the Pelicans got crazy and traded Hield along with Langston Galloway, Tyreke Evans and two draft picks for DeMarcus Cousins, a move that the Pels probably wish they could take back.
Hield became an afterthought in the trade, as all anyone could talk about was the pairing of Anthony Davis and Boogie Cousins, which had its moments but can’t ultimately be considered a success.
Though the trade was not an indictment on Hield, he had to have taken it somewhat personally, as the Pels jettisoned Hield before he even got a chance to show what he can do.
Boogie Cousins is now out of the league, though he could return next season, and Hield has been one of the more valuable players for the Kings.
Hield will always have a little extra juice in his step when he plays his old team, as all traded players want to prove that the team that traded them away made a big mistake.
Hield had 24 points and 12 rebounds in the only meeting this season and he will be one to watch when the two battle in Orlando.
I’m sure Hield has gotten over being traded by now, but he will always have a connection to New Orleans that will add fuel to the rivalry.