Grade the Trade: Anfernee Simons trade idea would be massive mistake for Blazers

Blazers get back scraps from Lakers and Pelicans

The Pelicans would find themselves in a similar situation to the Blazers when CJ McCollum was still in Portland, where they had two undersized guards. Still, New Orleans would be much better equipped defensively than Portland was. The Pelicans have newly acquired two-way guard Dejounte Murray and a plethora of lengthy, defensive-minded wings like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones to help compensate.

Williams III and Christan Wood would be underrated additions. Both have shown flashes of being productive centers in their careers when healthy and given the opportunity. It would be wise for the Pelicans to buy low on both big men, as one would likely take over the starting center role.

Meanwhile, the Lakers acquire a familiar name in Brandon Ingram; this would be a no-brainer trade for Los Angeles to obtain a third star to play with LeBron James and Anthony Davis without giving up significant draft capital to sacrifice their future. Ingram is also 26 and could help bridge the gap for the Lakers after 39-year-old James' looming retirement.

The Pelicans receive relatively fair value for Ingram here since he is set to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and they risk potentially losing him for nothing.

The trade makes sense for the Lakers to add a third piece to field a competitive roster to give LeBron a fighting chance in the Western Conference without sacrificing their long-term outlook. It also gives the Pelicans a viable solution for their two most pressing questions entering next season - their center position and what to do with Ingram.

But here's why the Blazers should hold onto two of their valuable trade assets in Simons and Williams until a better deal comes along: