The Pelicans have had their fair share of questionable moves this offseason. Starting with the decision to trade away valuable assets for Derick Queen, who has a ton of question marks as a prospect. Additionally, many people questioned the decision to waive Antonio Reeves, as well as the trade for Jordan Poole.
However, no matter how you feel about this offseason, it's important to remember that all front offices make mistakes, and there's no reason to overanalyze Joe Dumars. Looking back over the last decade, the previous Pelicans front office has made its fair share of questionable moves.
Out of all the questionable moves the previous Pelicans front offices have made, these three stand tall above the rest as all three of these players broke out after leaving the Big Easy.
#1 Trading away Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield was drafted 6th overall by the Pels during the 2016 NBA draft. However, his time with the Pelicans was short, as the young sharp-shooter was dealt in February of his rookie season as part of the DeMarcus Cousins trade.
The decision to trade Hield away ultimately backfired for the Pelicans, as Cousins only spent a season and a half in New Orleans before tearing his Achilles and then leaving for Golden State during the 2018 offseason.
Hield left New Orleans and became one of the NBA's greatest three-point shooters of all time. Now 32 years old, next season will mark the 10th year in the NBA for the 39.7% three-point shooter. And with the Pelicans' shooting struggles last season, ranking bottom five in both makes and attempts, it's safe to say they would love to have his services now.
#2 Trading away Josh Hart
The Pelicans originally acquired Josh Hart during the 2019 offseason as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers. New Orleans then dealt Hart just two seasons later to Portland as part of the CJ McCollum trade. While trading him away did help bring a veteran in McCollum, who gave the Pelicans four great seasons and was eventually flipped to get Jordan Poole. Hart's production has been incredible over the past three seasons.
The now 30-year-old has become one of the NBA's best role players and was a critical piece in the New York Knicks' run to the Eastern Conference Finals this past season. Hart is a top-three rebounder at his position and brings the winning grit that the Pelicans' current roster lacks.
While acquiring McCollum ultimately paid off for New Orleans and helped them secure Jordan Poole, losing Hart is still a move that stings.
#3 Trading away Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Nickeil Alexander-Walker was also part of the CJ McCollum trade and may honestly be a worse loss than Hart. NAW has transitioned into one of the NBA's top 3-and-D wings, as evidenced by the recent contract he just signed with the Atlanta Hawks. The deal is worth $62 million over the next four years.
Trading Alexander-Walker is to this day, by far, one of the worst losses the Pelicans have had. After being drafted 17th overall in the 2019 NBA draft, expectations were high, but during his 2.5 seasons in New Orleans, he struggled to demonstrate enough potential for the team to retain him.
However, after being traded to Portland, he was dealt to Utah, where he showed potential as a sharpshooter and shot creator before being acquired by the Timberwolves during the 2022-23 season. In Minnesota, he blossomed into the player we know today.
While the Pelicans still benefited from acquiring CJ, it's easy to argue that Hart and Alexander-Walker would've helped New Orleans more in the long term. Both players are premier role players who have contributed to the winning over the last three years.