Grade the trade: Pelicans land Damian Lillard in shocking 3-team proposal
By Tyler Watts
Laying out the New Orleans Pelicans proposal for Damian Lillard
Acquiring Lillard is not going to come cheap. The Miami Heat are offering Tyler Herro and multiple first-round draft picks, according to Shams Charania. Portland does not need Herro with Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons in their backcourt, which means a third team would be involved if a workable solution is out there.
The Pelicans don’t want to pair C.J. McCollum and Lillard in the backcourt, but Portland isn’t interested in a reunion. New Orleans is prepared to offer multiple picks and young players, but is it enough for the Trail Blazers? Bleacher Report offered this hypothetical.
The Clippers want to upgrade their roster around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and would love to improve their playmaking. LA gives up Norman Powell, Marcus Morris Sr., and Brandon Boston Jr. to get McCollum, which is an absolute steal. They would instantly say yes.
The Trail Blazers tough call here hinges on their belief in Dyson Daniels. They know what to expect from Norman Powell and Marcus Morris Sr. Portland hopes Boston’s 3-point improvement last season is real, but he is a role player at best. Daniel was the eighth overall pick in 2022 and showed flashes as a rookie. If he becomes a star, the Trail Blazers get a massive haul.
If the other two sides are on board, should the New Orleans Pelicans make this trade?