New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G CJ McCollum, C Cody Zeller
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Josh Hart, G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, C Jaxson Hayes, 2022 First-Round Pick (via LAL), 2023 First-Round Pick Swap
While some people want the New Orleans Pelicans to make an even bigger splash, CJ McCollum is a great addition to the roster. He would certainly help put them right into the thick of playoff contention in the Western Conference as a playoff-tested veteran.
The return package to Portland is of pretty solid value as well. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has shown signs of being a legitimate rotation piece. He had some explosive scoring performances this past season with New Orleans when given extra opportunities.
Jaxson Hayes gives the Trail Blazers another young big man to try and develop. There is a need for a backup big man with Zach Collins and Enes Kanter both leaving this offseason in free agency. Cody Zeller was signed in free agency but they could use higher upside options.
Josh Hart agreeing to a sign-and-trade is the centerpiece of this deal. It would be the third sign-and-trade deal that the Pelicans execute this offseason, as they also did one with Lonzo Ball heading to the Chicago Bulls and Devonte’ Graham coming to town from the Charlotte Hornets.
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The first-round pick is a fair addition to the package as McCollum is the most established player in this deal. It likely won’t be a very high selection, as the Lakers are expected to have one of the best records in the NBA this upcoming season. But, getting more draft capital is never a bad thing. The 2023 first-round pick swap is where the most value could potentially be.
