The New Orleans Pelicans appear to be at a crossroads with star Zion Williamson. The former number one overall winner has only played 114 games in his first four seasons as he struggled with injury and condition issues. Now there’s extra-judicial controversy and the latest rumors suggest the Pelicans are ready to move on.
New Orleans has a talented young roster and the 14th overall pick in Thursday’s draft. They would happily trade for Scoot Henderson and might be willing to offer Zion in that deal, but it might still not be possible. The Pelicans are set to gain a talented offspring, but does this mean the end of Williamson’s time with The Big Easy?
If the Pelicans want to trade Zion, they should accept offers from all 30 teams. It’s impossible to say what a franchise could offer for Williamson. The Knicks have a mountain of draft capital and have chosen Zion in the latest hypothetical deal.
The New Orleans Pelicans are trading Zion Williamson to New York in a hypothetical deal
The Knicks don’t have a pick in this year’s draft, but they do have four first-rounders from other teams and any of their future first-rounders to offer in a trade. Analysts have branded them star chasers since last summer, but when will the Knicks put their chips on the table? They left Donovan to Mitchell but might be ready to go all-in against Zion.
get pelicans
Julius Randle
Immanuel Quickley
Several future picks for the first round
Knicks Get
Zion Williamson
How many first-round picks there are is unknown. Jason Reed points out the floor is two, but it could cost New York more if they’re determined to get Zion. Let’s call it three for that reason. Quickley is a talented guard who would score at least a first goal if the Knicks misplaced him. Julius Randle also returns to New Orleans.
It’s a massive haul, but would the two teams pull it off? Here’s a look at the trades for both sides before deciding on a grade for the Pelicans.