Grade the trade: Hypothetical blockbuster lands Damian Lillard on Pelicans

Would the New Orleans Pelicans make this trade?

The Pelicans do not want Jusuf Nurkic’s contract on their books, but that is part of the cost of landing Damian Lillard. New Orleans would likely flip him with a draft pick to a third team. The Pelicans would also prefer to keep Larry Nance Jr., but he may be a necessary salary-matcher in this deal.

Trading Brandon Ingram for Damian Lillard is certainly an upgrade, and the Pelicans would still have the draft capital to improve their roster after this trade. It is a massive haul, but one that will be necessary to acquire a star. New Orleans is not attracting a marquee free agent, especially with Zion’s injury history. This is their chance to get a top 15 player and take a crack at winning a title.

Fans could question the Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum backcourt, and the Pelicans’ chances of keeping Williamson healthy, but this is the best they can do. Dame is the superstar that is on the block this summer. The Pelicans reportedly wanted Scoot Henderson, and Lillard is what the 19-year-old rookie hopes to become.

Grade: B

There is zero discount here. The New Orleans Pelicans are paying a massive price for an elite player. That is how it goes in the NBA, but it is worth it if the franchise believes Zion can stay healthy. Damian Lillard would make them better, but could they win in the playoffs? The Pelicans are interested in the seven-time All-Star, and he is likely to be on the move, so stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.

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