5 Malcolm Brogdon trades Blazers should already be exploring
By Tyler Watts
4. Blazers get 1st from Pelicans
Jonas Valanciunas has been the block this summer, and the Pelicans need another shot-creator to pair with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and C.J. McCollum. They are looking to trade Kira Lewis Jr. and could be just the team to take on Brogdon.
The Pelicans have a ton of draft capital but would put a top-20 protection on their 2024 first-rounder before trading it. The Blazers may not get a better offer and could look to flip Valanciunas before the deadline.
The Blazers do not have room to play Lewis Jr., but a fresh start could be the best thing for his career. If he is dominating in the G League, Portland could look to call him up and potentially flip him at the deadline for another draft asset.
The Portland Trail Blazers should be all-in on collecting draft capital and pieces that fit around Scoot Henderson. Jonas Valanciunas has some value, and Joe Cronin should not hesitate in turning him into the best available offer.
It will be a slow rebuild in Portland. They are unlikely to be back in the playoff picture for multiple seasons, so why not add draft picks and flippable players like JV?
The New Orleans Pelicans would be hesitant to make this move without a center replacement. Portland may offer Robert Williams and expand this trade, but Woj reported the Trail Blazers want to keep the former Celtics big man.