As talk Damian Lillard may want out of Portland ramps back up, suitors are also continuing to line up for potential offers. On that note, the New Orleans Pelicans have emerged as a prominent possible suitor.
The Pelicans are searching for a new head coach after firing Stan Van Gundy. Speculation about the future of Zion Williamson has been natural. It also means executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin has to hire the right coach. Surrounding the franchise’s centerpiece with players who can foster winning at a higher level is a parallel requirement. So no player is off limits in trade talks if it means adding Lillard.
How could the Pelicans shape a trade offer for Damian Lillard?
The Pelicans are well-positioned to make a good trade offer for Lillard (or any other notable player). Young players? They’ve got Ingram, Kira Lewis, Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Restricted free agents for a sign-and-trade element? See Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart. Draft picks? New Orleans owns 11 first-round picks in the next seven drafts. This side of Oklahoma City, no one has that kind of future draft capital.
Ingram was the most prominent player the Pelicans got from the Lakers in the Anthony Davis trade. He has mostly delivered on his potential, averaging a career-best 23.8 points per game in each of the last two seasons. He has also developed into a better, more consistent 3-point shooter (39.1 and 38.1 percent respectively last season and this season).
Ingram just completed the first year of a five-year, $158 million contract. The deal also includes a 15 percent trade kicker.
A pairing of Lillard and Williamson would be downright scary on the offensive end. The Pelicans have more than enough assets to get Portland’s attention with a trade offer. They also would not totally gut their assets by making a deal, and Ingram would be a worthy price to pay as part of said deal. As Lillard considers his future, New Orleans should be an appealing possible destination.
