New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Brandon Ingram, G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G Kira Lewis, 2022 First-Round Pick (via LAL), 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick Swap, 2026 First-Round Pick
In this hypothetical deal, the New Orleans Pelicans land a new All-Star running mate for Zion Williamson in Damian Lillard. New Orleans now has two pillars to build their franchise around, but the price to acquire Lillard is a steep one.
Brandon Ingram is the centerpiece of this deal. Ingram is turning 24-years old in September but has already established himself as a premier point forward and two-way star in the NBA. He made his first All-Star game in 2020 and has developed into an excellent player in New Orleans.
After being acquired in the Anthony Davis blockbuster, Ingram has produced at a high level with the Pelicans. He has averaged 23.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks in 34.1 minutes per game. The former Duke product gives Portland a building block for their future.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis would do the same. Alexander-Walker was selected with the No. 17 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and took a nice jump in his second season in the NBA. He has the looks of a strong rotation player.
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Lewis was the 13th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and gives Portland a potential long-term replacement at the point guard spot. He didn’t receive many chances as a rookie, but turned only 20 in April and already has good defensive chops and playmaking to build off of.
The draft compensation is also a good get for Portland. They can remain competitive with the package they receive, but also have the draft capital to upgrade the roster down the road. New Orleans has plenty of draft capital from the Davis and Jrue Holiday deals, so if Portland would prefer that instead of Alexander-Walker or Lewis, that could also be done.
