Lakers Rumors: Sleeper teams that could compete for Anthony Davis

2. Portland Trailblazers

The Portland Trailblazers are in a similar position as the Detroit Pistons and would be offering the team a very similar trade package for Anthony Davis.

While Portland is undoubtedly a more talented team all-around than the Pistons, they still do not have the talent to get past the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference. Despite having one of the best backcourts in basketball, the Trailblazers need to improve.

That is why the team should dip into the reserve in the backcourt and look to give the Pelicans a nice all-star return for Davis. Just like the Raptors, this might not be a deal that leads to significant long-term success but does exponentially increase the team’s chances over the next two seasons.

The trade package we had in mind was CJ McCollum, Zach Collins and two unprotected first round picks, probably the same years as the Pistons’ picks, for Davis. New Orleans would get an all-star-caliber shooting guard in McCollum to play alongside Holiday and a young forward in Zach Collins with a ton of upside.

If the Pelicans do not accept that I would even be willing to trade Damian Lillard and take off one of the picks for Davis. That would allow Holiday to move to the two and would give the Blazers a nice big three of Davis, McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic.

I think it is best to avoid trading Lillard and if the Blazers can get it done without moving him I legitimately think the team could defeat the Warriors with Lillard, Davis and Nurkic. However, it would still be an upgrade to go from Lillard to Davis and would essentially serve as a young star swap.