Damian Lillard should start preparing a list of preferred destinations since it seems like he will not be traded to his desired destination, the Miami Heat.
Lillard’s current team, the Trail Blazers, are not going to give him away to the Heat due to the lack of assets the Heat are offering in the deal.
If not the Heat, then which team would acquire Damian Lillard from the Trail Blazers? Could it be the New Orleans Pelicans? Here is the possible trade scenario!
The Damian Lillard Trade Proposal
- The Portland Trail Blazers will receive the Guard CJ McCollum, the Guard/ Forward Dyson Daniels, and the Guard Kira Lewis Jr., the 2024 First-Round Draft Pick (Los Angeles Lakers via New Orleans Pelicans), the 2025 First-Round Draft Pick (Milwaukee Bucks via New Orleans Pelicans ), the 2026 First-Round Draft Pick (New Orleans Pelicans), the 2028 First-Round Draft Pick (New Orleans Pelicans).
- The New Orleans Pelicans will receive the Guard Damian Lillard in exchange.
It is the team’s job to grab the best deal for their best player. On the flip side, we can’t blame a player for expressing his desire to be traded to his preferred destination as well. This is the situation with Lillard and the Trail Blazers right now. Could Lillard ask his team to trade him to the Pelicans?
Why Do the New Orleans Pelicans Want to Acquire Damian Lillard?
The New Orleans Pelicans is a new team compared to other teams in the league. The Pelicans are mostly based on young rookie players.
While they also have Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, they are concerned about Zion’s health. If Zion becomes healthy, they could possibly acquire Damian to solidify their roster further.
Why Would the Portland Trail Blazers Trade Lillard to the Pelicans?
The main reason why the Trail Blazers are trading their star guard to the Pelicans is the valuable first-round draft picks.
Random NBA Duels – Part 18
Kobe Bryant vs Rookie Damian Lillard (4/10/2013)
Kobe
47 Points – 8 Reb – 5 Ast – 4 Stl – 3 Blk
14/27 FG – 18/18 FTDame
38 Points – 9 Assists – 3 Steals
12/25 FG – 5/11 3p – 9/9 FTLakers def Blazers 113-106 https://t.co/HfRh11WFjC pic.twitter.com/0c7MVc9ANE
— Lukas (@KBsLakeShow24) August 27, 2023
In this trade, the Trail Blazers will gain 4 first-round draft picks, making it a great value for them. They will rebuild their roster around young players with the addition of CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels, and Kira Lewis.
