According to recent reports, the Pelicans are open to trading most of their roster, namely their three veterans, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. Ingram is an expiring contract, but Zion is the name that draws attention. A year ago, teams would have lined up trying to trade for him. This time around, due to injuries and controversies, his value has dropped. So, what are Zion trade options the Pelicans can explore? Should teams be trying to trade for him?
5 Teams That Should Consider Buying Low on Zion Williamson
In a normal trade market, Zion would be hard to get, and there would be playoff teams lining up trying to get him. When healthy, Zion is a monster attacking the rim, a perennial All-Star player averaging 25+ points on more than 60% shooting. Six years into Zion’s career, injuries have tarnished his value. The former No. 1 overall pick has only played more than 65 games once and missed the entire 2021-22 season. He is currently dealing with a hamstring injury in just six games this season Zion is shooting a career-low 45% from the field. Zion has also drawn criticism for not being in shape or taking his conditioning seriously which has contributed to his injury issues.
It seems like the Pelicans are ready to move out of the Zion drama and try to get the ping-pong balls to work in their favor and draft Cooper Flagg. With that in mind, here are five teams that can strike now and get Zion for 50 cents on the dollar. We have to remember Zion is only 24 years old and will turn 25 in July next year. He has yet to enter his prime years. Let’s explore Zion trade options.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers are two years removed from trading their franchise player, Damian Lillard, and starting fresh. They have a young core, including their wings Anfernee Simmons and Shaedon Sharpe, a possible point guard of the future Scoot Henderson, and center of the future Donovan Clingan. This is the year they should decide whether they will bottom out more to get more young talent or try to strike and improve their roster.
The Blazers have plenty of picks they can add to a deal and the salaries to match. The Blazers have swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030, as well as the Bucks pick in 2029. They also own Boston’s first-round pick in 2029. The Blazers also have size at the center position with Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams, which would help unlock Zion. The Pelicans’ star has played his best basketball when he has a center to protect him on the defensive end.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are a forgotten team that hasn’t drawn any attention in the past several years. Just imagine the combination of LaMelo Ball and Zion on the fast break. Zion fits nicely with the timeline of the Hornets’ core, including Ball and Brandon Miller.
They are also in a position where they do not have a young player who will headline the trade. But they do have some interesting picks, including Dallas’ first in 2027 protected 1-2 and Miami’s first in 2027 lottery-protected pick. The Hornets also own all of their picks going forward (their 2025 pick is lottery-protected).
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls finally came to the conclusion they should have two years ago. They had their best shot in 2021-22 when they had DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic. That team won 46 games and lost in the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks. But if it wasn’t for Lonzo’s injury, that team had potential.
The latest reports coming from Chicago are they are ready to move from Vucevic and LaVine, but it is hard to find takers for them. With a Zion trade, they can improve their roster for the future and sacrifice this season for a higher draft pick. They owe a 2025 first-round pick to the Spurs, protected 1-10. That pick is protected 1-8 in 2026 and 2027. The Bulls lack frontcourt size, making Zion an ideal fit. Again, the idea here is that Zion will come with a lower price, and the Bulls might get more assets by trading LaVine and Vucevic in the meantime.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have one of the oldest rosters in the league and have little to no way to improve via the draft. They gave away their future draft picks for Paul George and James Harden. Kawhi Leonard is 33 years old, Harden is 35, and this year’s revelation Norman Powell is 31 years old. In two years, the Clippers might be looking at a depleted roster with no ways to improve, no draft picks, and no chances of competing.
Enter Zion, a 24-year-old All-Star who will be entering his prime at that point. In normal years, the Clippers have no chance to get him with their offer. This year, things might be different as the Pelicans are trying to bottom out and start fresh. The Clippers will have to go further in their draft capital to get things done, but it is possible. They do have a first-round pick in 2030 and 2031.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have a generational talent on their team who wants to compete for a championship as soon as possible. Victor Wembanyama is only 21 years old, but he is ready for the big stage. Zion would fit nicely alongside a defensive presence like Victor.
If they decide to cash in their chips, the Spurs can overwhelm most offers. They can have as many as four first-round picks in 2025, but the reality is two might not convey (Chicago’s 1-10 protected and Charlotte’s 1-14 protected). Nevertheless, the Spurs will be one of the most interesting teams to watch at the deadline, whether they decide to try and get another star to play alongside Victor or wait for a better option. Unlike most other teams, the Spurs have young players like Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell that can fit the Pelicans post-Zion timeline. Among the many Zion trade options, the Spurs can deliver the best offer, but are they interested?
The post 5 Teams That Should Consider Buying Low on Zion Williamson appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.