- Zion Williamson could be on the way out of New Orleans
- The Pelicans need to make changes to get t the top of the West
- The time for blockbuster deals is now, not later
As the NBA offseason approaches, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a unique position with a wealth of assets at their disposal. Armed with a promising young core and a treasure trove of draft picks, the Pelicans have the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming free agency and trade market. With numerous star players potentially available, the franchise has the opportunity to construct not one, but five different superteams that could dominate the league.Â
It is time to deliver on the various combinations and possibilities that the Pelicans can explore, highlighting how they can build a formidable roster that will catapult them into championship contention. By pairing current stars with superstars from blockbuster trades, the Pelicans’ offseason endeavors promise to be a captivating saga that could reshape the landscape of the NBA for years to come.
Here are the ways the Pelicans can create five different superteams this summer and completely change the landscape of the Western Conference going forward.
A Risky Trade For A Former MVP
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: CJ McCollum, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round PickÂ
For the New Orleans Pelicans, acquiring James Harden would be a game-changer. Harden is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, and his offensive repertoire would significantly boost the Sixers’ firepower. With Harden alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the team would have a potent inside-outside scoring threat, making them a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. Harden’s ability to create his own shot and draw defenders would also open up opportunities for his teammates, giving the Sixers a more well-rounded and dynamic offense.
On the other hand, the trade makes sense for the Philadelphia 76ers as well. Acquiring CJ McCollum would give them a proven scoring guard who can play alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. McCollum’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc and create his own shot would provide the Pelicans with an additional offensive weapon to complement their young stars. Considering James Harden has forced a trade out of Philly, re-tooling with an All-Star-caliber guard who can create a dynamic Big Three.
In summary, this trade benefits both the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans by addressing specific needs and enhancing their respective lineups. The Pelicans would gain an elite scorer in James Harden to elevate their championship aspirations, while the 76ers would acquire a talented shooting guard in CJ McCollum for a chance to have a professional who wants to play without a fuss.
Get More Athletic And Offensively-Inclined With A Deal For A Shooting Guard
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels, Kira Lewis, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2025 First-Round Pick for Zach LaVine
For the New Orleans Pelicans, acquiring Zach LaVine would be a significant upgrade to their backcourt. LaVine is an explosive scorer and an exceptional shooter, capable of putting up big numbers and creating his own shot. Pairing him with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram would give the Pelicans a formidable trio of offensive firepower, making them a more well-rounded team on the offensive end. This past season, despite missing the All-Star Team, LaVine posted 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 37.5% 3-PT FG. Is that elite numbers? Certainly.
For the Chicago Bulls, this trade would make sense as well. CJ McCollum would provide an experienced and proven scoring guard to pair with their core of DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. McCollum’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc (38.9% 3-PT FG) and create his own shot would give the Bulls another scoring threat and playmaker in their backcourt. The two first-round picks also mean Chicago can continue competing while focusing on the future.
Overall, this could be an interesting deal for the Pelicans to get better. The Pelicans would gain a dynamic scoring guard in Zach LaVine to complement their young stars because Zach cannot be stopped in one-on-one situations due to his speed and athleticism. LaVine, Ingram, and Williamson would probably be the most exciting trio in the league.
Creating A Dominant Big Three With Donovan Mitchell
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, Devonte’ Graham, Herb Jones, 2023 First-Round Pick, 2024 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick
For the New Orleans Pelicans, acquiring Donovan Mitchell would be a significant upgrade to their backcourt and a perfect fit alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Mitchell is a dynamic and explosive scorer, known for his ability to create his own shot and excel in high-pressure situations. Pairing him with Williamson’s inside presence and Ingram’s scoring versatility would give the Pelicans a formidable trio of offensive firepower. Mitchell’s skill set would also complement the up-tempo style of play that the Pelicans prefer, allowing them to capitalize on their young core’s athleticism and energy.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, this trade would make sense as well. CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas would provide immediate veteran help to their young core of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. McCollum is an elite shooter and shot-creator, giving the Cavaliers a much-needed scoring threat on the perimeter. Valanciunas is a skilled big man with scoring ability in the paint and would solidify their frontcourt alongside Evan Mobley. Both players’ experience and leadership could help mentor the Cavaliers’ young players and bring a winning mentality to the team.Â
Furthermore, in this trade, the Pelicans would still retain some valuable young assets in Herb Jones and Devonte’ Graham. Jones is a promising young talent with defensive potential, and Graham is a solid scoring guard who can contribute off the bench. The multiple future First-Round Picks could also be instrumental in building for the future and adding talent to the roster through the draft.
In conclusion, this trade benefits both the New Orleans Pelicans and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pelicans would gain a dynamic scoring guard in Donovan Mitchell to complement their stars to easily become a top-4 team in the West while the Cavaliers would acquire veteran talent in CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas, as well as valuable future draft assets to build for the long term.Â
A Chance To Go All-In With Damian Lillard
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round PickÂ
For the New Orleans Pelicans, acquiring Damian Lillard would be a transformative move that elevates their backcourt to new heights. Lillard is one of the most lethal scoring guards in the league, known for his deep shooting range, clutch performances, and ability to take over games. Pairing him with Brandon Ingram and a potentially acquired star in free agency would create a formidable offensive trio, providing the Pelicans with a versatile and dynamic scoring attack. Lillard’s playmaking abilities and leadership on and off the court would also be instrumental in the development of Zion Williamson, guiding the young star’s growth and maximizing his potential.
On the other hand, the trade makes sense for the Portland Trail Blazers as well. By acquiring Zion Williamson, the Blazers would gain one of the most promising young talents in the NBA, a player with incredible athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive potential. Williamson’s presence alongside rookie Scoot Henderson would make things very interesting in the West. Since Zion is 23 years old and Scoot is only 19, the core in Portland would be in a great place going forward.
Overall, as great as Portland could be going forward, the Pelicans win the deal. Damian Lillard is a bonafide superstar and top-12 player in the world, and he could do great things with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum beside him. The reunion of Lillard and McCollum could be a welcomed sight as the duo made the Western Conference Finals in 2019, meaning they might be able to get over the hump this time.
A Blockbuster Deal For The Reigning MVP
New Orleans Pelicans Receive:Â Joel Embiid, Furkan Korkmaz
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas, Herbert Jones, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick
For the New Orleans Pelicans, acquiring Joel Embiid would be a transformative move that solidifies their frontcourt and elevates their championship aspirations. Embiid is one of the most dominant big men in the NBA, winning the 2023 MVP award after posting a league-leading 33.1 points per game. Pairing him with Brandon Ingram and potentially acquired star players would create a formidable trio, providing the Pelicans with a balanced and dominant scoring attack. Embiid’s interior presence would complement Brandon Ingram’s athleticism and scoring ability, making the Pelicans a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Could there be a team that will be able to compete with Embiid and Ingram? Most likely not.Â
On the other hand, the trade makes sense for the Philadelphia 76ers as well. By acquiring Zion Williamson, the 76ers would gain one of the most promising young talents in the NBA, a player with incredible athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive potential. Williamson’s unique skill set means the 76ers completely rebuild for the future. The two First-Round Picks included in the trade would give the 76ers future assets to bolster their roster and potentially add talent through the draft or use in future trades. Even with Embiid (and Harden as well) gone, the 76ers can have three solid players with Tyrese Maxey and the incoming players.
This would be one of the largest blockbuster deals in the modern era as the 76ers swap the reigning MVP for a player in Zion who could be the face of the NBA someday. If New Orleans wants a chance to win now, they have to make the move for the league’s reigning MVP.
Which Superteam Would Be The Best?
The idea for New Orleans is to give as little away as possible while trying to build the best team they can. Obviously, the major player right now is Joel Embiid. He is the reigning two-time scoring champion, is elite defensively, and just won the MVP award. Alongside Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, Embiid would dominate the Western Conference just as he has done in the Eastern Conference. The question is, would New Orleans be willing to give up three talented starters for him, along with two first-round picks? If so, Embiid would change life in New Orleans.
Otherwise, the Pelicans could go after Damian Lillard by keeping Herbert Jones and an extra first-round pick. Since Lillard has requested a trade and Embiid hasn’t, his stock and asking price will be lower. As a result, the Pelicans can go after Dame and still keep Jones to start on the wing with Ingram. The new starting lineup would feature Lillard, McCollum, Jones, Ingram, and Larry Nance Jr.Â
Other strong options for the Pelicans to consider include going after Donovan Mitchell, Zach LaVine, and James Harden. Mitchell is the best of the crew considering he is only 26 years old and is fresh off a season posting over 28 PPG. LaVine is less talented but is more athletic, so that could create an up-tempo offense. Harden has slowed down, and his inconsistencies in the playoffs are a major red flag. But he is the best playmaker available on the market, and the Pelicans could surround him with All-Stars who will thrive off his passing skills, such as Ingram and Williamson.
