For right now, Damian Lillard remains with the Portland Trail Blazers. But if the situation continues to head south, and the impossible happens, the New Orleans Pelicans will be there to answer the call.
In a report by Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, New Orleans would be willing to include Brandon Ingram in trade talks with the Trail Blazers, in the event that Lillard is made available at some point in the near future.
New Orleans Pelicans are willing to part ways with Brandon Ingram in hopes of getting Damian Lillard, I’m told.
Pels are also willing to part ways with multiple first round picks that they acquired in the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday deals. pic.twitter.com/WJnt530qWu
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) June 28, 2021
Obviously, Ingram is nowhere near as valuable as Lillard, who is among the Top 10 players in the league, and perhaps the best shooter in the game.
But if Dame does want out, it would send Portland into complete rebuild mode, and they’d be looking to accumulate young guys and draft picks as compensation for their veteran core.
New Orleans does have enough juice to make a decent offer, and Ingram is a guy who can keep Portland at least somewhat interesting.
Still, in a league thirsty for high-profile, three-point guards, there are going to be plenty of teams willing to break the bank for his services. Whether or not the Pelicans can make the best offer remains to be seen.
But if Lillard is put on the block, you can expect them to be ultra-aggressive in their pursuit.
