Zion Williamson, Tyrese Haliburton (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly open to at least considering a Zion Williamson trade. What would motivate them to get a deal done?
Zion Williamson has been frequently involved in trade chatter over the last couple of weeks as the New Orleans Pelicans look to potentially move into the top-3 on draft night. The Pelicans were without Williamson for the second half of last season and he has appeared in 114 games across four NBA seasons.
The former No. 1 pick is an undeniable talent. At his peak, Williamson is a borderline top-10 player — unstoppable in the paint and highly adept as a unique point-forward playmaking engine.
Despite all the injuries, he has two All-Star berths under his belt at 22 years old. Every team should have an interest in Zion.
Naturally, injury concerns and off-court distractions could limit the interest of certain teams. How reliable is Zion as a franchise cornerstone? Can he demand the same return value as other stars who have been dealt recently? It’s a tricky equation to balance.
Generally, the NBA is a no-risk, no-reward league. If you can acquire a generational talent with five years left on his contract at 22 years old, it would be smart to kick the tires and give it the old college try. But there is unavoidable downside risk.
Here are three trades that at least make sense both ways if New Orleans is ready to turn over a new leaf.
No. 3 trade for Zion Williamson: Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin, No. 7 pick
Pelicans Get
Bennedict Mathurin
Buddy Hield
Jordan Nwora
2023 first-round pick (#7), 2025 first-round pick
Pacers Get
Zion Williamson
Naji Marshall
The Pacers aren’t being talked about enough as a team with significant trade capital and an imminent desire to compete. Tyrese Haliburton made his first All-Star appearance last season and looks the part of a franchise centerpiece, Myles Turner signed a new extension, and Rick Carlisle is one of the best head coaches in the league.
Indiana is giving up a fair amount here. Bennedict Mathurin was first-team All-Rookie and fits sublimely next to Haliburton as a slashing wing who can put pressure on the rim and create his own shot. Buddy Hield is a nifty trade chip due to his expiring contract and elite 3-point stroke. Jordan Nwora is another young wing with untapped talent. Plus, two first-round picks — one already situated in the mid-lottery.
Is Zion really worth it? The same Zion who has only played over 30 games in an NBA season once in four years?
The answer is unequivocally yes. Again, Zion at his peak is a top-10 player. He is the most dominant, efficient interior scorer in the league. Defenses do not respect his 3-point shot but it has very little impact on his ability to zip inside and dance around defenders for easy finishes. His ability to change speed and direction at his size, with his power, is unheard of.
Zion is dominant driving downhill and putting pressure on the rim. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect co-star than Haliburton, who can set up Williamson out of pick-and-rolls or float off the ball and bomb 3s while supplying connective playmaking. Turner can clean up some of Williamson’s mistakes on defense and there’s still enough wing depth with Chris Duarte, Naji Marshall, and Andrew Nembhard to think the Pacers are cooking with grease.