Tyreke Evans: Three-team trade

Tyreke Evans #13 of the Sacramento Kings shoots against the New Orleans Hornets on April 10, 2013 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California.

The Sacramento Kings have agreed to trade-restrict free agent Tyreke Evans to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a three-team trade also including the Portland Trailblazers.

This deal involves Tyreke Evans moving to New Orleans as part of a sign trade deal, accepting the four-year $44 million offer sheet, as Sacramento receive point guard Greivis Vasquez from the Pelicans. The Trailblazers acquired centre Robin Lopez from New Orleans, and have given two future second round picks to Sacramento. This trade will not be officially completed until the moratorium on NBA transactions is lifted on July 10.

The Sacramento Kings agreed to this trade shortly after Jose Calderon declined to sign with them. With the void of losing Tyreke needing to be filled, Sacramento turned to Greivis Vasquez, a third-year point guard who displayed significant signs of improvement last season by achieving second overall in the Most Improved Player, and third in assists per game (9).

Vasquez combined at point guard along with the addition of rookie McLemore should provide a solid young back-court capable of driving the Kings forward.

Tyreke’s trade to the Pelicans has been met with a great deal of confusion about his position within the team. Originally, entering the league as a point guard, his position is filled by their recent acquisition of all-star point guard Jrue Holiday from the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tyreke has stated that he would be happy to provide a valuable contribution coming off the bench, giving the Pelicans depth within their back-court through the contribution of Austin Rivers as back-up point guard. In addition to this, Tyreke also spent time as a small forward for the Kings.

As a starting power forward, the Kings would have a young, strong starting line-up with the ability to compete with any team in the NBA involving: Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, Ryan Anderson, and Anthony Davis. All players are under the age of 25.

The Pelicans have sent 7ft-centre Robin Lopez to the Portland Trail Blazers. They spent last season operating with undersized centre J.J. Hickson and the addition of Robin will provide height upfront needed to support all-star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge.

The three-team trade leaves each team with benefits that should help them to advance in the upcoming season.