Best case scenario:

Portland's a surprise 6th playoff seed this season, loses their lottery protected pick to Chicago as a result but secure full unprotected rights back to their 2027 and 2028 picks, along with a Milwaukee/New Orleans swap option for next year. That Milwaukee swap gives Portland the best odds of acquiring Giannis if he requests a trade after the outcome of this season going as predicted.

Pelicans become a much more believable contender with Gobert, Missi, and Queen performing beyond expectations, along with Jeremiah Fears taking the starting spot at the point while Dejounte Murray is out.

Minnesota gets its NAW replacement, defensive juggernaut for a point guard if Conley retires after the season, Beringer and Zikarsky also exceed expectations, and Naz Reid lives up to his extension with Gobert gone. Make it back to the Conference Finals to lose to the Thunder.