Despite having made a request to the Portland Trail Blazers to be traded quite a while ago, NBA star Damian Lillard remains a member of the team. He clearly wants to land with the Miami Heat, but the lack of trade assets doesn’t make for a natural trade partner for the Blazers.
It remains to be seen how Lillard and the Blazers will handle the situation closer to when training camp is set to get underway. In the meantime, it’s fair to say, Lillard may want to consider expanding his list of preferred destinations if he indeed wants to be traded.
While it may not jump out as a prime destination, the New Orleans Pelicans could make an intriguing case as a trade suitor to acquire Lillard. As the team seeks to take a step forward with Zion Williamson healthy again, adding a dynamic talent could accelerate the process.
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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