New Orleans Pelicans trade Dante Cunningham to Brooklyn Nets for Rashad Vaughn

According to Shams Charnia, the Pelicans have dealt forward Dante Cunningham to the Brooklyn Nets for shooting guard Rashad Vaughn.

Cunningham was rumored to be on the trade block, and it looks like he got his wish in getting a fresh start elsewhere.

Vaughn was drafted with the 17th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He was regarding as one of the best shooting prospects from his class, often being compared to Devin Booker. However, his career has yet to take off as he’s never averaged more than 15 minutes a game in any of his first three NBA seasons.

It is important to keep in mind that Vaughn is just 21 years of age. Moreover, he has decent size for the two-guard spot, standing 6’-6’’ and weighing a tick over 200 pounds. His strength is perimeter shooting and is regarded as having good athleticism.

Vaughn was buried on the depth chart in Milwaukee behind Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon and Tony Snell, and apparently, the Nets prefer their existing group of Caris LeVert, Joe Harris and Nick Stauskas.

In addition, Mason brings up a good point: today’s trade opens up a little more space for General Manager Dell Demps to operate under the luxury tax and hard cap levels during the upcoming buyout market period.

Nevertheless, outside of the hot-shooting month of December, the Pelicans have not been very accurate with the three-point shot of late. Since January 1st, New Orleans has made just 33.1% of their deep attempts — that’s the third worst mark in the league during this time span. Consequently, it wouldn’t hurt for the coaching staff to audition another sharpshooter over the next few months.

Welcome Rashad and may the nets in New Orleans be friendly to your jumper!