New Orleans Pelicans

The final team to keep an eye on in regards to trade talks for Damian Lillard this offseason are the New Orleans Pelicans. Things have been very shaky with the Pelicans over the years, but they do have two established All-Star talents in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson to build with/around for the foreseeable future. 

However, the Pelicans need to act quick in terms of adding talent because the clock is ticking on the futures of both players. Ingram is under contract through the 2024-25 season after signing a big contract-extension last summer, but Zion can become a free agent after the 2022-23 season and his family may not want him in New Orleans long-term. 

According to reports from The Athletic, members of Zion Williamson’s family “want him on another team” and would prefer him to leave New Orleans after his rookie contract expires. This is a “doomsday” scenario for the Pelicans, which is why they need to be aggressive this offseason and surround their young superstar with more All-Star talents. 

Brandon Ingram is a terrific player and has only gotten better since joining the Pelicans, but in the end, Damian Lillard is a much better player than Ingram will ever be. Putting together a trade package including Brandon Ingram could be enticing enough for the Blazers to potentially work things out in regards to a Lillard-deal. 

Lonzo Ball is also a restricted free agent this offseason, which is why the Pelicans could be aggressive in their pursuit of Damian Lillard. This franchise needs something special other than Zion Williamson and Lillard can be that guy for them.

READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam

Having these two superstars together for the foreseeable future definitely provides a bright future for the Pelicans franchise and could be everything they need to turn themselves into a true contender.