New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson has established himself as one of the most brutal forces in the league. Williamson, 24, has been great for the Pelicans, but it is possible that his days are numbered in the bayou. The North Carolina native could be traded this summer as ‘several teams’ have expressed in the two-time All-Star.
Pelicans Star Drawing Trade Interest Heading Into Offseason
On the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective Podcast, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon mentioned how several teams could consider Williamson.
“Some teams would have more than significant interest in negotiating for Zion this summer,” MacMahon said.
Williamson has been stellar thus far this season. While he’s battled through a handful of injuries, he has been healthy recently, which has restored his value in some ways.
However, while Williamson has played great lately, the Pelicans may not get the package they want. A rival executive told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that they might not be able to get enough in return to make it worthwhile.
“The question about the Pelicans is whether they would consider trading Zion,” Windhorst said. “It hasn’t really been an option over the last couple of years because he’s been injured, and his value hasn’t been high enough. Even now, I don’t think they could get great value. So they will probably see if he can carry this play over into next year.”
Williamson has played 28 games this season. He has played great when he’s on the court, averaging 24.2 points per game, 7.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 56.3 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from three in only 0.5 attempts. Williamson is averaging 28.5 minutes of action.
Williamson missed 27 games earlier in the season due to a left hamstring strain. As of late, the former Duke Blue Devil has played in 22 out of a possible 31 games.
What Would a Trade for Zion Williamson Look Like?
Although a trade for Williamson is likely, the offer the Pelicans may expect might not be what they like. Williamson’s injury history is extensive. It includes a torn meniscus in his right knee, a right foot injury, and a hamstring injury—and that’s not even half of it. The talent is there, but the injuries are always a concern.
Nonetheless, the Pelicans could undoubtedly get a good enough package for him. At just 24 years old and with a ton of basketball ahead of him, the Pelicans could potentially get two unprotected first-round picks for him, plus some key depth pieces in exchange. The Pelicans selected Williamson with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. While his play has been stellar, his availability certainly has not.
If he can remain healthy, like we saw last year, the sky is the limit for the star forward.
Teams like the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, or even the Oklahoma City Thunder could make a move for Williamson.
Is It Too Late For Williamson to Be the Face of the NBA?
Zion Williamson was once viewed as the next face of the NBA. Many tagged him as the next LeBron James due to his combination of skill, talent, and athleticism. As he’s shown throughout his short career, Williamson can jump out of the gym with the best of them.
While that conversation has faded and is possibly out the window, Williamson can still be a multi-time All-Star and a No. 1 option on a contender. Don’t count out Williamson just yet; he still has plenty left in the tank and then some.
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