Blazers snag franchise star, Pelicans reset in bold potential blockbuster trade

The Portland Trailblazers and New Orleans Pelicans were two of the worst teams in the Western Conference last season. The Blazers are a young squad who are starting to form an identity but lacks a star piece. The Pelicans have been trying to build a contender around Zion Williamson, but continuous injury issues have caused them to fall short. That’s why Pelicans trade rumors have been going all season, and a Blazers-Zion trade could be a possible solution for both teams. 

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed a possible Blazers-Pelicans trade that would send Zion to the Blazers and a ton of assets to New Orleans. 

The trade would be DeAndre Ayton, No. 11 pick, Milwaukee's 2028 first-round pick (swap rights), Milwaukee's 2029 first-round pick (swap rights) for Zion Williamson straight up. 

Favale said, “The Pelicans are ready for a reset. They can wait and see whether Zion increases his value ahead of February's trade deadline, but that's a risky game considering his checkered injury history…Scooping up another lottery pick for one of the NBA's least-available stars would be a good start. Ditto for taking back only an expiring contract in Ayton.”

That being said, the Pelicans trade rumors around Zion have quieted down lately. Pelicans management claims they aren’t interested in trading Zion at the moment.

He also represented the team in the recent NBA lottery. 

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Still, the Pelicans have to consider a Blazers-Zion trade. It is an opportunity for them to cut ties with their often-injured star. 

On the other hand, the Blazers wouldn’t have to give up too much of their future assets in return for a flier on what could be a foundational franchise piece to lead their youth movement. 

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