NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting 8 most likely dark horse suitors for Damian Lillard

4. New Orleans Pelicans

As the biggest dark horse in the Western Conference, the New Orleans Pelicans represent one of the most intriguing potential landing spots for Damian Lillard. In a vacuum, the Pelicans make a lot of sense for Lillard. They have a strong supporting cast, a collection of young players that would be attractive for the Portland Trail Blazers, and enough draft capital to help sweeten a deal. If the Pelicans could swing a deal and figure out a way to retain both Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, there could be something there for Lillard.

A trio of Lillard, Ingram, and Zion (if they could remain healthy) would be good enough to be the third or fourth-best team in the conference. That is at least a puncher’s chance to win the West and compete for a title. Isn’t that all Lillard wants at this point in his career?

I’m not saying that the Pelicans should be Lillard’s preferred destination but they should theoretically be an outside option if Portland and Miami aren’t able to come to some sort of agreement.