The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly in the market for a new point guard, and Damian Lillard is one of their options.
The where is damian lillard from is a question that has been asked in the NBA Rumors section. Damian Lillard, who is an NBA player and point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, can be acquired by the New Orleans Pelicans for a package centered around Brandon Ingram.
The New Orleans Pelicans have made some good moves to surround Zion Williamson, including trading for two strong players in Jonas Valanciunas and Devonte’ Graham. Despite their new acquisitions, though, they still need to take some measures to develop a contender around Zion Williamson.
One way the Pelicans might do this is by acquiring an exceptional superstar to complement Williamson. Damian Lillard, according to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report’s trade scenario, might be that superstar.
Pelicans of New Orleans Damian Lillard (received)
Brandon Ingram, Kira Lewis Jr., Jaxson Hayes, a 2023 first-round selection, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2024 first-round pick go to the Portland Trail Blazers (via LAL)
Buckley explains why this transaction seems to be beneficial to both parties. Damian Lillard hasn’t been able to create a contender around himself, and joining up with Zion Williamson may be a smart method for him to improve his chances of winning. Getting Brandon Ingram as a cornerstone, on the other hand, is a very good return for the Portland Trail Blazers if a Lillard deal happens.
The Blazers and Pelicans both needed to win the offseason for different reasons, but they were on the same page. Instead, most offseason loser lists will group both of them together.
Both had to persuade their stars that they could build a contender around them. Snell, Zeller, and Ben McLemore didn’t even move the needle for the Blazers. By basically converting Lonzo Ball (whom Zion Williamson wanted to remain), two first-round selections, and two pick swaps into Devonte’ Graham, Tomas Satoransky, Jonas Valanciunas, Garrett Temple, and a pair of second-round picks, the Pelicans either spun their tires or backtracked.
Neither Lillard nor Williamson can be thrilled with the direction of their clubs, but maybe they’d find happiness together. An offensive system built around Lillard-Williamson pick-and-rolls (and transition attacks) might be as prolific as it gets, and New Orleans would still have its newcomers plus a hopefully re-signed Josh Hart.
Meanwhile, Portland would develop Lillard into a 23-year-old All-Star (Ingram) and much more. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to persuading a fandom to part with an icon, but that seems to be a decent place to start.
Ingram is a smooth, efficient scorer whose development as a facilitator positions him as a key focal point. Lewis can run the offense at a breakneck tempo that would make Anfernee Simons, Nassir Little, and Greg Brown III vulnerable, and Hayes can keep up as a rim-runner with bounce. Portland’s post-Lillard reconstruction would be up and running if three first-round selections were added to brighten the future.
This situation may undoubtedly benefit both sides. The Portland Trail Blazers would trade Lillard to a club with another superstar while also receiving a good return on their investment in the rebuild. Damian Lillard hasn’t requested out yet, but it would be tough for the Portland Trail Blazers to part with their franchise legend. This might be one of the better alternatives if the Blazers and Lillard choose to split ways.
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