Creds to u/Ripcity for the idea

In light of a disappointing season for both of these teams, both the Blazers and the Pelicans should look to make changes in the offseason. The Pelicans should look to make moves to get into the playoffs and the Blazers need to try to contend. This trade involves sending CJ to Nola for BI with an exchange of centers as well. This move allows for the Pelicans to put better fitting pieces around Zion. Ingram is a great player but can be pretty ball dominant at times and takes touches away from Zion. CJ on the other hand can play great off the ball and can also distract defenses from Zion because of his threat behind the arc. Another priority should be filling the void of a starting small forward, they could move Walker to the 3 but a better move would be to bring in Nic Batum, a veteran presence who has shown he can contribute to winning on the Clippers this year and a guy who can stretch the floor. Resigning Lonzo should also be a priority and they should resign him for anything under 100 mil. In the deal they also get jusuf nurkic who still isn't a great fit alongside Zion but is an expiring contract and a good playmaker especially for a center. On Portland's side this situation is basically a win-win. You get a young star in BI as well as a center who knows his role and doesn't struggle with health, also because of Ingram's youth if Dame ends up wanting to leave you have a building block for the future already laid out. Bringing back Norman Powell should also be done for a 3-4 year deal within reason. Also DJJ will most likely accept his player option this season but Portland should try to negotiate a cheaper deal for a longer period of time. DJJ is a good option for a backup 3. Nerlens Noel is also a great option to bring in as a backup 5. He and Adams could really go either way as far as who starts and who comes off the bench as they both bring different things, Adams rebounds the ball better and is more of a contributor on offense while Noel was in all defense talks this year. Bringing in a reliable point guard to backup dame is also important, ideally TJ McConnel would be a guy to go after but he is probably too expensive and also too good to want to accept a backup role behind an all-NBA point guard. Jeff Teague is a cheap and reliable option to run the floor while dame gets rest and he is also a good defender. By itself at this point the roster does not look championship quality which is why Portland should go after THT in the offseason to be their 6 man. THT is a walking bucket and is good enough to start on most teams but having him come in with the second unit and being a go to guy for baskets is something that I think could put Portland into the contender category.

New Blazers: Dame - Powell - BI - Covington - Adams/Noel Bench: Teague - THT - DJJ - Little - Noel/Adams

New Pelicans: Lonzo - CJ - Batum - Zion - Nurkic Bench: Bledsoe - Lewis JR. - Walker - Wenyen - Hayes