New Orleans Pelicans Receive: CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr.
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jonas Valanciunas, Devonte’ Graham, Jaxson Hayes, Tomas Satoransky
This is the type of trade that would shake up both rosters pretty well.
The Portland Trail Blazers would begin to re-shape the team around Lillard by changing the type of center they have, while the New Orleans Pelicans would prioritize perimeter scoring around Zion Williamson.
Before going down with a collapsed lung (scary stuff), CJ McCollum was putting together a solid season. He was averaging 20.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three-point range.
Jonas Valanciunas has been having a breakout season in New Orleans. His three-point shooting has been a revelation. The Lithuanian big man is putting up 18.5 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 52.2 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from deep.
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Devonte’ Graham has struggled with efficiency this year, but that’s been a trend throughout his whole career. The Kansas product is averaging 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 36.8 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from behind the arc.
Larry Nance Jr. has played well in Portland, Jaxson Hayes still has potential, and Tomas Satoransky would mainly be included to match salaries. Why would each team be interested in this trade? Would either side be willing to shake things up this much?