Damian Lillard wants to join the Miami Heat. We’re running out of ways to say that. Lillard wants to go to Miami. Apparently, he doesn’t want to be traded to any other team.
We’ll see how it works out. As this situation drags on, the odds of Lillard actually finding his way to the Heat get lower. At some point, he may have to entertain other possibilities.
Besides – Lillard wants to play for a ring, doesn’t he? Surely, he can see other situations that would allow him to do that. How about the New Orleans Pelicans?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G CJ McCollum, G/F Dyson Daniels, G Kira Lewis Jr., 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIL via NOP), 2026 First-Round Pick (NOP), 2028 First-Round Pick (NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Damian Lillard
This is not an easy situation. We don’t know how it will resolve. In all likelihood, neither do the people involved in it. How should it resolve? The Trail Blazers should not be obliged to send Lillard to his preferred destination. Their job is to get the best return for their star player that they can.
On the other hand, we can’t blame Lillard for having a preference. He’s given his entire career to the Blazers. What did they give him in return?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. We don’t blame the Blazers for taking these young men, either – their long-term outlook is bright. Still, for a veteran looking to contend for a title, the idea of playing with these kids can’t be appealing.
Can New Orleans offer him a better-fitting roster?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Absolutely. Sure, the Pelicans are also young. They’re not built around rookies and sophomores. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are both proven producers.
Yes, there are concerns about Williamson’s health. The Pelicans must be concerned. With that said, they need to operate as if he’ll be healthy.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
If he can be, and they make this trade, the Pelicans could have one of the best offensive teams in the NBA. If they’re willing to take a risk on Lillard, the payoff could be enormous.
Does this deal payoff for Portland?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Some Blazers fans are cringing right now. They’re really going to bring McCollum back? That’s not the point. McCollum is here to make contracts match. Meanwhile, we’re assuming that the Pelicans would prefer to keep Williamson and Ingram if they’re acquiring Lillard.
That’s feasible – at a cost. The Pelicans have a nice collection of first-round picks. If they want Lillard, they’ll have to let go of most of it.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
That’s the main draw for the Blazers here – four first-round picks. Throw in a young player with star upside like Daniels, and this could be the move that gets Portland to move on from Lillard. Even if they’re not sending him to the Heat.
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