In the wake of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, one NBA writer is proposing that the New Orleans Pelicans trade Zion Williamson to the Blazers for Lillard.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed that the Pelicans trade Williamson and a 2028 first-round pick to the Blazers for Lillard, who can be traded anywhere since he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
“The Pelicans, eager to move on from any Zion-related drama, prioritize winning in the immediate future,” Bitar wrote. “A deal for a bonafide superstar like Lillard could be precisely what propels them into serious contention. Despite finishing 9th in the Western Conference in the past season, the team recognizes that securing Lillard could bridge the gap, propelling them toward competing for a coveted top-4 seed.
“With a decade of patience, navigating through the departures of Anthony Davis and Zion’s lack of availability, it is time for New Orleans to seize the opportunity and go all-in in the highly competitive Western Conference. A lineup led by Lillard, McCollum, Ingram, and Valanciunas would be a formidable force, ready to challenge the league’s best for seasons to come.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Damian Lillard & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists last season for the Blazers. He will make $46.6 million next season. The seven-time NBA All-Star signed a two-year, $121.8 million extension with Portland in July 2022. Lillard wants the Blazers to trade him to the Miami Heat, but Portland hasn’t been impressed with Miami’s offers.
There have been several questions about Williamson’s diet and commitment to basketball since he’s only played 114 out of a possible 308 regular-season games since being drafted by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke. Williamson played in 24 games in his rookie year and 61 games in his sophomore year. The lefty then missed his entire third year and appeared in just 29 games last season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Damian Lillard & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
When he’s been on the court, Williamson has been a superstar. The North Carolina native has career NBA averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 60.5% from the floor. However, the Pelicans are only 57-57 when Williamson plays.
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