It's trade season in the NBA after Karl-Anthony Towns’ move to the Knicks , and with teams looking to make final roster tweaks before the 2024-25 season tips off, we've got a mock trade that could help three squads solve their needs.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been seeking more size in the frontcourt, while the Charlotte Hornets need a veteran guard to help bring some stability to their backcourt. This mock trade has Deandre Ayton heading to New Orleans to give Zion Williamson some defensive help, while CJ McCollum lands in Charlotte to mentor LaMelo Ball.
Here's how this blockbuster could go down.
Mock Trade
Pelicans receive: Deandre Ayton, Tre Mann, 2027 First-Round Pick (Hornets via Mavs)
Trail Blazers receive: Grant Williams, Josh Green, 2028 First-Round Pick (Hornets)
Hornets receive: CJ McCollum, Jordan Hawkins
A Great Center Choice For The Pelicans
The Pelicans have been in need of a strong defensive anchor to pair with Zion Williamson , and Deandre Ayton could be the perfect fit. Ayton, who had an up-and-down season with the Trail Blazers, has been on the trade block with Portland looking to move him in favor of younger talents like Donovan Clingan. The Trail Blazers have been open to the idea of sending Ayton to a new team, and the Pelicans are one of the most logical landing spots.
Ayton averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game last season, showing flashes of the dominance that made him a top pick. While he dealt with injuries and competition for minutes in Portland, Ayton’s size and ability to protect the rim would fill a massive need for the Pelicans, who lacked a reliable presence at center after moving on from Jonas Valanciunas. His ability to both protect the paint and score efficiently inside could also take the pressure off Zion, allowing him to play more freely and focus on offense.
Rumors have been swirling for months about Ayton’s potential departure from the Blazers, especially since the Blazers are committed to a youth movement with Clingan and Robert Williams III ahead of him on the depth chart. For the Pelicans, adding Ayton would allow them to form a dominant frontcourt pairing with Williamson, potentially pushing them deeper into playoff contention.
With the addition of Ayton, the Pelicans could retool their offense and defense around this new-look frontcourt, while also keeping an eye on the future. This trade would not only solve their immediate need for a defensive center but also position them to compete in a loaded Western Conference.
More Assets The Blazers Can Flip Later
The Trail Blazers have been in full rebuild mode ever since trading away Damian Lillard, and this mock deal would give them more assets they could flip down the line. By acquiring young players like Grant Williams and Josh Green, alongside valuable draft picks, the Blazers would be positioning themselves perfectly for future trades or to continue building around their young core.
Grant Williams, a versatile defender and stretch-four, would immediately contribute to their rotation, but more importantly, he’s the kind of player that other contending teams would value for his playoff experience. His contract is team-friendly, and in the right situation, Williams could be flipped for additional picks or younger assets if the Blazers want to continue acquiring future draft capital.
Similarly, Josh Green, a talented young guard, still has untapped potential. Green has shown flashes of becoming a reliable two-way player, and he could either develop into a key piece for Portland or become an attractive trade chip for teams looking for athletic wings with upside.
With the two first-round picks included in the trade, the Blazers also gain flexibility. They could either use those picks to draft future stars or package them in a larger deal to acquire a more established player when they feel ready to compete again. This long-term approach aligns with Portland’s current rebuild, giving them plenty of options to remain flexible in the coming seasons.
By acquiring assets like these, the Blazers can be patient, continue their rebuild, and always keep an eye on opportunities to flip players or picks for greater value as they identify key pieces for their future.
Great Backcourt Arrivals For The Struggling Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have been looking for a way to revamp their backcourt and add stability alongside LaMelo Ball , and this trade delivers just that. By acquiring CJ McCollum , they bring in a seasoned veteran who can mentor Ball and provide immediate scoring and leadership. McCollum, known for his smooth shooting and scoring ability, averaged 20.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game last season with the Pelicans, proving he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
For a team like the Hornets, who have been struggling to find consistent success, McCollum’s presence could change their trajectory. His playoff experience, alongside his ability to create his own shot, is something the Hornets have sorely lacked in recent years. He not only strengthens their offensive output but also brings a stabilizing force to their locker room, something this young Charlotte squad desperately needs.
In addition to McCollum, the Hornets would also receive Jordan Hawkins, a promising young shooter who can immediately contribute off the bench. Hawkins, who had a solid rookie season in New Orleans, adds depth to the Hornets' rotation and gives them another floor spacer to complement Ball’s playmaking. His shooting ability will help stretch the floor, creating more space for Ball and McCollum to operate.
This trade could mark a significant turnaround for Charlotte, giving them a potent mix of veteran leadership and young talent in the backcourt, potentially elevating them out of the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Related: The Perfect Mock Trade Sends Brandon Ingram To The Clippers And Builds Pelicans As True Contenders
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