Damian Lillard Trade Rumors have been flying off the handle this off-season ever since he publicly asked for a move away. Zach Buckley, an NBA writer for Bleacher Report, has put forward an intriguing idea: the New Orleans Pelicans acquiring Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Clippers.
The suggested trade scenario has raised eyebrows and ignited discussions among basketball enthusiasts. In this hypothetical trade, the Pelicans would land the dynamic and prolific point guard, Damian Lillard, creating a formidable trio alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The thought of these three talents converging on the court has ignited excitement and curiosity in fans and analysts alike.
Should the New Orleans Pelicans Pursue Damian Lillard?
With the Denver Nuggets winning last season, the New Orleans Pelicans are now only one of the five teams to have never made an appearance in the NBA Finals along with the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies. They need a Catalyst to bring them out of this Mediocrity.
Buckley emphasizes the potential of this move for the Pelicans. He notes,
“Turn that twosome into a Big Three with Lillard, though, and suddenly New Orleans has the talent to hang with anyone. Ingram, who just flirted with a 50/40/90 slash while averaging 24.7 points and 5.8 assists, would be the third option in this offense. This attack would obliterate even the stingiest defenses.”
Damian Lillard, a seven-time All-Star and a proven scoring maestro would undoubtedly bring a new dimension to the Pelicans’ roster. His remarkable average of 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists last season showcases his exceptional skills and leadership on the court.
While Damian Lillard has expressed his preference for a trade to the Miami Heat, the lack of a no-trade clause in his contract leaves the final decision up to the Trail Blazers.
The proposed trade, while bold and captivating, remains uncertain. Miami Heat has been actively pursuing Lillard, aiming to construct a package consisting of expiring contracts, draft picks, and promising young players. The Blazers, however, seem adamant in their desire for a substantial return, seeking four first-round picks and two quality players.
Damian Lillard refuses to speak on the Trailblazers
(Via @andscape / h/t @5ReasonsSports @BradyHawk305 ) pic.twitter.com/yBVAPrKQwX
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 24, 2023
As the NBA community eagerly awaits the outcome, the Pelicans’ potential involvement in the trade talks adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. While the Pelicans have yet to be directly linked to Lillard in trade discussions, the evolving dynamics between the Heat and Blazers could potentially shift the trade landscape.
