There are no hard and fast rules about rebuilding an NBA team. There are different routes to take. For example, most would hold that a rebuilding team needs to hoard its draft capital. Others would say that, if a young star is available, they could justify spending some first-round picks.
We’ll see what the Portland Trail Blazers’ philosophy looks like. This team traded Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks recently. The Blazers are finally rebuilding. Will they be content to land in the lottery for a few years, or will they try to make a leap sooner than later?
Time will tell. It’s worth noting that the small-market Blazers don’t typically make long-term plans. This organization has generally preferred to stay competitive. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they made a move for a young star if he was on the market. Could they make a move for Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Anfernee Simons, G Malcolm Brogdon, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – GSW via POR), 2026 First-Round Pick (POR)
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Zion Williamson, C Jonas Valaciunas
Here’s a rule that many teams follow when rebuilding: don’t acquire veterans. Yet, we’ve recently seen that this isn’t a hard and fast rule either. The Blazers have already broken it this summer. In fact, they’ve broken it several times.
First, the Blazers added Jrue Holiday as part of the Lillard exchange. Next, they moved Holiday – and acquired Malcolm Brogdon in the process. Now, the Blazers are expected to move Brogdon. This team has been making a flurry of moves and continuously downgrading the veterans on their roster for additional assets.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
It’s been an intelligent strategy. The aggregate return that Portland has received for Lillard is impressive. Meanwhile, this team’s future is bright with a talented young core at their disposal. Should they add Williamson to that core?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Simons may or may not be part of that young core. The Blazers must make some decisions in the coming season or two. Sure, Shaedon Sharpe has the size to play the 3. Would he be better served at the 2? If so, Portland may have to look at moving Simons eventually.
What should they expect in return? Some will suggest that Portland should be seeking draft capital, and little else. That’s a justifiable position. For a team in the infancy stages of a rebuild, stockpiling first-round picks is always smart. On the other hand, If Portland is feeling brave, acquiring Williamson could be smarter.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
After all, he’s looked like a perennial MVP candidate when healthy. Yes, that’s too rare of an occurrence – that’s why Portland is getting him at a discount here. If Williamson can get his body right, the Blazers would arguably have the most talented young core in the NBA. Should the Pelicans help them assemble it?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
The Pelicans got their rebuild off to a tremendous start. They got a solid haul of draft capital for Anthony Davis and Brandon Ingram. Unfortunately, luck hasn’t smiled upon them. Williamson’s constant injuries have kept this group from realizing their potential.
In all likelihood, the Pelicans are tired of waiting. Who could blame them? If they put Williamson on the open market today, they wouldn’t get the type of return they might be hoping for. On the other hand, if they don’t move him soon and he gets injured again, they’ll never get anything in return for him. In stark contrast to the Blazers, this deal has the Pelicans playing it safe.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
They’d be in good shape after doing so. The Pelicans would add Simons to a young core featuring Brandon Ingram, Dyson Daniels, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones. That’s a solid group with the potential to get better. Meanwhile, the Pelicans would have an even more impressive collection of draft capital. They wouldn’t break any rebuilding rules if they moved on from Williamson.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
