5 Players Trail Blazers could target in Lillard trade to become contenders
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
If the Portland Trail Blazers wanted to make the biggest of gambles, there’s one player they should be circling – Zion Williamson. Before the 2023 NBA Draft, there were whispers that the New Orleans Pelicans were exploring the idea of trading Zion. Nothing ever came to fruition and then it was all denied shortly after. We don’t know what really transpired between the Pelicans and Zion before the NBA Draft, but you can’t help but wonder if they wouldn’t revisit some of those thoughts if it meant landing Damian Lillard.
The Pelicans would be able to get out from under Zion’s contract and field a competing team with Lillard, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and the rest of their strong supporting cast. The Trail Blazers would be able to add the most dominating force in the league (when he’s healthy) to an extremely talented young core.
Who wouldn’t want to see a lineup that includes Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, Jerami Grant, and Zion Williamson? That’s the type of lineup that could emerge as the best young starting 5 in the NBA.
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The Trail Blazers have a big decision to make over the next few weeks. How this all ends with Damian Lillard remains to be seen, but it would be huge if Portland is able to land a difference-making young player in the process.