The New Orleans Pelicans have fared very poorly without Zion Williamson this season. An 18-29 record has them in 11th place in the Western Conference. They need an infusion of talent badly. One very good player that could be up for grabs is Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum.

As the Blazers remain on the edge of the playoff picture, there is lots of noise about players of theirs that could be available ahead of the trade deadline. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report says that the Pelicans are the team linked the most to McCollum.

The destination most often linked to McCollum has been New Orleans, who could sensibly deal Jonas Valanciunas and Josh Hart. That would give the Blazers a center replacement for Nurkic, a strong veteran contributor in Hart and sneak Portland under the tax. It would seem the Pelicans would be more willing to part with Tomas Satoranksy and Jaxson Hayes over Valanciunas, however.

The Pelicans should aim for someone younger than the 30-year-old McCollum if such a player is available. His skill set, however, would be a great addition to New Orleans. The Pelicans could acquire McCollum while offering Portland a trade package that could include assets they can use to start their rebuild.

Pelicans CJ McCollum Trade

Proposed trade:

New Orleans Pelicans receive: CJ McCollum, Nassir Little

Portland Trail Blazers receive: Jaxson Hayes, Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, 2025 first-round pick via Bucks, 2022 second-round pick via Jazz

McCollum adds a reliable scorer and shooter to pair alongside Bradon Ingram. When Williamson returns, he will provide some desperately needed 3-point spacing. The Pelicans are one of the worst perimeter shooting teams in the league so McCollum's marksmanship would be very helpful. New Orleans would also get Nassir Little to provide some extra defensive reinforcements, though he will possibly miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.

In return, Portland gets a mixed bag of assets that can help them now and in the future. Satoransky and Hart are dependable veterans. Hayes is an uber-athletic big man that has potential, though he does have an off-the-court issue attached to him at the moment. The Blazers would get an extended look at him while Jusuf Nurkic battles injuries. The two picks they get can be flipped or used to bring in more young talent. Portland's desire to shed salary would also be accomplished with this package.

The Trail Blazers will most likely inquire about Ingram but the Pelicans should not budge. Adding McCollum to make a trio of stars is where New Orleans should aim. Portland will have to recognize soon that starting anew is the best path forward. This package from the Pelicans would allow them to do that.