The Pelicans want to make the playoffs. This helps them. Maybe they don't fit but if they don't, the Pels can probably get back a similar return this offseason.

The Pelicans were a team with limited assets and were going nowhere. They're now going to be one of the most intriguing teams in the 2nd half of the season. They've become relevant beyond the "Should they trade AD?" rumors that were starting.

No one trade was turning the Pelicans into the Spurs or Warriors. But they turned Hield and a mid-first rounder into an All-Star which is too good to pass up.