Trade rumor season is here, offering fans of middling NBA franchises a glimmer of hope. One trade proposal, authored by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, envisions Zion Williamson teaming up with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller on the Charlotte Hornets. This deal could create a dynamic core for the future while giving the New Orleans Pelicans a fresh start.
Pelicans Star, Zion Williamson Brings Some “Showtime” Basketball to the Hornets
Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Tidjane Salaün, Grant Williams, Cody Martin, Vasilije Micić, a 2027 first-round pick (top-two protected, via DAL), a 2027 first-round pick (lottery-protected, via MIA), and a 2025 second-round pick (their own).
Circumstances Surrounding the Trade
The Pelicans entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations. Their offseason included sacrificing Dyson Daniels and two first-round picks to acquire Dejounte Murray. However, Murray’s opening-night hand fracture set the tone for a disappointing, injury-riddled campaign. With the team buried in the Western Conference standings, the Pelicans may need to reset their approach.
Meanwhile, the Hornets have shown flashes of competitiveness under new head coach Charles Lee. Despite ranking 19th in defensive rating, they play with identity and effort. Lee’s influence is evident in their style, inspired by his time with the Boston Celtics. Yet, their offensive struggles remain glaring.
Why This Trade Works for the Hornets
The Hornets sit 26th in offensive rating, averaging just 108.2 points per game. Their paint scoring is especially problematic, ranking second-worst in the NBA at 40.4 points per game. Zion could immediately fix this issue.
Williamson thrives in the paint, attempting 980 shots from 8 feet or closer last season. He converted 60.1% of those attempts, a level of efficiency the Hornets desperately need. His presence would elevate their offense, particularly in close games. The Hornets also provide the ideal environment for Williamson’s game. They attempt the second-most three-pointers in the league (44.4 per game), making 36.4% of them. This spacing would allow Williamson to dominate inside without facing constant double-teams.
On the boards, the Hornets rank fifth in rebound percentage (51.7), compensating for Williamson’s underwhelming rebounding numbers. Even without their top centers, Mark Williams and Nick Richards, they remain competitive on the glass. LaMelo’s passing brilliance would perfectly complement Williamson’s skill set. Ball’s pinpoint alley-oops to Miller have already wowed fans. Adding Williamson to the mix would create an electrifying trio, bringing excitement to a franchise long stuck in mediocrity.
Why This Trade Works for the Pelicans
For the Pelicans, this trade could represent a clean break. Williamson’s trade value has declined due to his injuries, but it remains high enough to fetch a strong return.
The incoming package includes veterans and draft capital, which could be flipped for additional assets. This flexibility would allow the Pelicans to commit fully to a post-Zion retool. A poor season could position them for a top pick in the 2025 lottery, potentially landing a franchise-altering prospect. By moving Williamson, the Pelicans could shed the uncertainty surrounding his health and focus on building a more reliable core.
Zion Williamson Brings Excitement to the Tortured Hornets Franchise
This trade offers significant benefits for both teams. The Hornets would pair LaMelo with a legitimate co-star in Williamson, forming a high-ceiling trio with Miller. Williamson’s paint dominance would address Charlotte’s offensive woes, while Ball, Miller, and co. provide the necessary shooting and rebounding support.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, gain flexibility and assets for a new era. While parting with Williamson is difficult, his persistent injuries make a fresh start appealing. If Williamson stays healthy, Charlotte could emerge as a legitimate contender. For fans tired of mediocrity, this trade would bring the excitement and energy the Hornets have long lacked. Eric Collins, the team’s exuberant broadcaster, would surely thrive in the Williamson era. The risks are clear, especially considering Zion’s injury history, but the potential rewards make this deal an intriguing possibility.
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