Potential 3-team trade for Ingram: Blazers’ and Pelicans’ perspectives
As previously stated, the Blazers get a haul for their superstar if he officially asks to be traded. Simmons is elite in every part of his game except with his shooting. He fills so many holes on defense that the Blazers have on this roster currently. He’d probably be more of a power forward in Portland with CJ McCollum still on the roster.
Alexander-Walker, Lewis Jr., and Hayes are all great prospects that need more playing time and Portland isn’t as deep as New Orleans. All three of these players could develop into very good starters long term. They get a high lottery pick this year plus two other solid picks via the Lakers in the future. Honestly, there might not be a better realistic package out there for Lillard. This trade still helps them stay competitive while also building for the future at the same time.
It’s clear that Ingram and Williamson aren’t getting the Pelicans to the playoffs. They have to maximize their window with Williamson which is now. The duo of Lillard and Williamson would make the Pelicans a playoff team and the Pelicans still have enough assets to add a legit third star to this roster.
They have the assets to get Lilliard and the reason why this isn’t just a two-team trade is because Simmons is a better trade chip than Ingram due to Portland’s needs on defense. That’s why New Orleans brings in the Sixers to make this a three-team trade. New Orleans also get Hill in for salary filler and Shake Milton as a sweetener in this deal and to help rebuild some of their depth.