If the New Orleans Pelicans want to move on from Zion Williamson, here are three intriguing trade offers.
The Zion Williamson era has not gone according to plan for the New Orleans Pelicans. On the court, the former No. 1 overall pick has lived up to the superstar hype, averaging 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Unfortunately, he has missed a staggering 194 games over the last four years.
There are two ways of viewing the past four seasons. Positively, Williamson has been phenomenal, statistically, and if healthy, he could help the Pelicans become legitimate title contenders. Negatively, he has missed more games than he has played, and he has a five-year, $197.2 million contract extension kicking in this season.
Without Williamson, the Pelicans are still able to remain competitive, posting a 25-28 record in his absence last season. They are clearly lacking a top-tier star, but the supporting cast is talented. Brandon Ingram is an All-Star. CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas are good veterans. Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones have developed into impactful two-way wings.
Right now, the 23-year-old still holds significant trade value, and if the Pelicans do not want to roll the dice, here are four potential trade offers for them to consider.
4. Zion Williamson for James Harden blockbuster
Daryl Morey is infamous for seeking star players in trades, but he is in a predicament with All-Star James Harden. Harden's trade value is at an all-time low. He is 33 years old and on an expiring contract. More importantly, the Sixers hold little leverage in negotiations. The Los Angeles Clippers appear to be the only team with real interest and their best offer is likely Terance Mann, Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Amir Coffey, and a first-round pick. That is not a bad return, but it does not give Morey another star to pair with reigning MVP Joel Embiid.
This deal would allow the Pelicans to move off Williamson's five-year contract and gain significant draft capital to make a big move in the future. The Stepien Rule prevents the Sixers from sending out multiple first-round picks, but the first-round swaps are very valuable. Embiid's future in Philadelphia is uncertain, and the Sixers could be a lottery team in the near future.
As for Harden, he could fit in nicely as a facilitator. Last season, his 10.7 assists per game led the NBA, and he could help elevate the supporting cast in New Orleans. Additionally, the front office could flip him to a third team for more assets.
Coincidentally, this deal mirrors the original Harden trade, in which Morey flipped Ben Simmons and multiple unprotected first-round picks for the veteran guard.
3. Zion Williamson to the Pistons
There are signs that the Detroit Pistons are attempting to compete. They held onto veteran wing Bojan Bogdanovic and traded for guard Joe Harris. If they wanted to take a big swing, Williamson makes perfect sense. The Pistons have an abundance of backcourt talent (Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Marcus Sasser) and a startling amount of centers (Jalen Duren, James Wiseman, Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley III).
This deal would give the Pelicans an intriguing return of draft picks. The Pistons do have a lot of young talent, but they would be guaranteed to be contenders, especially given Williamson's injury history. Bagley and Killian Hayes have considerable upside. However, nothing in this package is guaranteed. The Pistons could become a perennial contender with a healthy Williamson and a third-year leap from Cunningham. Bagley and Hayes are not surefire prospects. This is a high-risk, high-reward trade for both sides.
2. The OKC pick package
The Oklahoma City Thunder have the draft capital to make a move for any available star in the league. Williamson would be an ideal fit for their roster. First of all, he is young and fits their timeline. Secondly, a lineup of SGA, Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, Williamson, and Chet Holmgren fits nicely on paper.
The Pelicans would acquire multiple first-round picks, headlined by Houston's 2024 protected first. Davis Bertans and David Nwaba are included for salary purposes, but Kenrich Williams is a valuable rotation player. Last season, he averaged 8.0 points and 4.9 rebounds, while shooting 37.3 percent from 3.
1. Dame for Zion
The Portland Trail Blazers are caught up in back-and-forth trade negotiations with the Miami Heat. Damian Lillard has made it clear that Miami is his preferred destination. However, the best player that the Heat can offer in a returning package is Tyler Herro, who the Blazers are reportedly "not interested in".
The Pelicans could trump the Heat by offering Williamson for Lillard. A potential deal could be a big win for both sides. The Blazers would get an All-Star back, who fits alongside Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Meanwhile, the Pelicans could contend this year with a core of Lillard, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. Larry Nance Jr. is included to make the salaries work. Due to Williamson's injury risk, the Pelicans also send the Blazers a 2024 first-round pick.
Teams could be hesitant to deal for Lillard, as it has been rumored he only wants to play for the Heat. Nevertheless, the Pelicans would give him the chance to contend in the Western Conference, and he would be reunited with his long-time teammate and friend, CJ McCollum.