It's looking like there is a fire beginning to rage in Portland, and multiple sources are saying Dame is on the verge of asking out. If that is the case, then there will be several teams looking to throw assets towards the Blazers.

The Pelicans will certainly be one of those teams interested, and they would likely be able to beat most other teams offers with their warchest of assets.

It's hard to determine where Portland would want to go post Dame, but if they would not like to go complete rebuild then I would assume they would ask for a young All Star in Ingram. Even if they are looking to tear it all down, Brandon Ingram would be a good piece to move forward. They could use him as a nice trade piece later on to continue their rebuild, or as a cornerstone for their franchise. Either way it gives them some further flexability.

Portland could prefer the young players from the Pelicans and more draft picks, but I think that is less likely to happen. In this scenario they take on Bledsoe as well, and even though he doesn't fit their future plans he has one less year on his deal than Covington. He would also be a nice expiring deal at the deadline if they are looking to move him as well. I would assume they will be looking to move C.J. as well, and they could see how the team does with C.J. and Ingram until the deadline before they make any further moves to gain more assets. I think with Billups coming on board, he would like to have some semblance of a winning team so maybe they run it back with what they have for this year.

This makes a lot of sense for the Pelicans, as what they have been missing since drafting Zion is a player like Dame. He is a player that can take defenders away from Zion, and pairs well in Pick n Roll situations. He makes quick decisions, and can create his own shot and create shots for others. This trade still gives the Pelicans decent depth going forward as well. I think their owner will be willing to pay the tax with Dame on the team as well, which would make it more likely they re-sign Lonzo and Josh Hart.