Per Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pelicans are sending Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Walker-Alexander, Didi Louzada, a 2022 protected first round pick, and two second round picks to the Trailblazers in exchange for CJ McCollum, Larry Nance, and Tony Snell. Woj also reports that Portland's plan is to focus on building a roster around Damian Lillard.
My first question is; is this a new focus for Portland? If so, what have they been doing for the last seven years? Surely, this just means that they are trying to restructure the roster around their superstar point guard after failing to do so in years previous. Dame has been all in and has shown loyalty every step of they way, but the question is beginning to loom, can he get a ring in Portland? Short answer: no. They never really had a window, as they peaked at about the same time as Kevin Durant joined the Warriors. Portland had a good team for years, and even made a run to the western conference finals, but it just seemed like they were always one piece away. I just don't know that Portland is an attractive free agent destination, especially to play third fiddle with their previously established backcourt. Could that change as Portland searches for Dame's new sidekick? Will Anfernee Simons be able to step into that sidekick role? Or, will Damian Lillard decide it's time to move on?
On the other hand, the Pelicans are currently sitting in 10th place in the west, 4.5 spots behind the Lakers in 9th. Trading for a veteran guard will help make up ground as they hold on to their play-in spot for dear life. If the Pelicans can stay competitive with out Zion Williamson, they will be set up nicely for when (if) he eventually returns. Worst case scenario: the veteran pieces don't fit well in New Orleans, the Pelican's record tanks them out of play-in contention, and they find themselves in the 14-12 spot with out their 2022 first round pick. The pick's protections allow for New Orleans to keep it if it lands in the top 5. This pick is currently projected 9th, in which case it falls to the Trailblazers.
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