Grade the Trade: Pelicans ditch Zion Williamson in mock deal with Mavs, Blazers

Grade the Trade: Pelicans ditch Zion Williamson in mock deal with Mavs, Blazers: The trade

In the deal, the Pelicans would land Portland star Damian Lillard while sending Zion Williamson to the Mavericks.

*The deal originally featured Garrett Temple going to the Trail Blazers, but he has since been waived. It also had three swaps going to Portland, but Dallas used one swap in the Grant Williams trade*

Obviously, Lillard has been the talk of the town this offseason, and he could get traded at any second. The Pelicans have also been reportedly interested in a potential Lillard trade.

JaVale McGee would be in this deal for mainly salary-matching purposes, as he didn’t have a consistent role with the Mavericks this past season.

At his best, Zion Williamson is a top-15 player in the NBA, but the risks involved with his game come in the form of injuries, so that’s something to keep in mind when it comes to his value.

Larry Nance Jr. is a solid rotational big man, and while his place in this deal is mainly because of his salary, he’s still a decent piece.

Dyson Daniels and Dereck Lively II highlight this package as two solid young pieces, one heading into his second year and one a rookie. Both have a decent amount of potential but will need ample opportunities.

Lastly, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Richaun Holmes are in the deal, so the Mavericks can match salaries and take in Williamson.

Now, let’s grade it for every team, starting with the Mavericks, then the Trail Blazers, and finally, the Pelicans.