New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G CJ McCollum, F/C Larry Nance Jr.
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, F Josh Hart, G Tomas Satoransky, C Jaxson Hayes
This is the type of trade that would shake up both rosters pretty well.
The Portland Trail Blazers would begin to re-shape the team around Lillard by changing the type of center they have, while the New Orleans Pelicans would prioritize perimeter scoring around Zion Williamson.
Before going down with a collapsed lung (scary stuff), CJ McCollum was putting together a solid season and has since returned to the lineup—picking up where he left off. On the season, he is averaging 20.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three-point range.
Jonas Valanciunas has been having a breakout season in New Orleans. His three-point shooting has been a revelation. The Lithuanian big man is putting up 18.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 52.7 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from deep.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Blazers Expected To Trade McCollum; Mavs, Pelicans Linked
Given the Trail Blazers’ intent to clear salary cap spending obligations for future seasons, Josh Hart would be an intriguing options given his salary is non-guaranteed for both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 season. Waiving him would free up roughly $13 million.
Larry Nance Jr. has played well in Portland, Jaxson Hayes still has potential, and Tomas Satoransky would mainly be included to match salaries. Why would each team be interested in this trade? Would either side be willing to shake things up this much?
