Zion Williamson, considered a cornerstone for the New Orleans Pelicans, faces a pivotal moment in his career marked by persistent injury concerns and challenges with weight management. These issues have not only impacted his on-court performance but have also significantly diminished his trade value in comparison to previous seasons. As the Pelicans find themselves in the 7th spot in the competitive Western Conference, the prospect of parting ways with Zion looms, necessitating a substantial return for any interested suitor.

1. The Knicks Get Their Dream Player

Pelicans Receive: Julius Randle, Quentin Grimes, 2024 First-Round Pick (via Pistons), 2026 First-Round Pick

In the perpetual quest for Zion Williamson, the New York Knicks find themselves presented with a potential opportunity amid what could be considered one of his less spectacular seasons. Since his arrival in the 2019 NBA Draft, Zion has been the coveted dream player for the Knicks, and with his current campaign possibly dimming his star just a bit, the timing might be right for a bold move.

The proposed deal, however, is no small feat. It involves sending away the Knicks’ All-Star forward, Julius Randle, who is having an impressive season, averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Alongside Randle, Quentin Grimes, a promising young talent, is part of the package. Additionally, the Pelicans would receive the Knicks’ 2024 first-round pick (via Pistons) and the 2026 first-round pick.

While the Knicks might view this as a dream scenario, the Pelicans, holding on to the potential for Zion to become a generational player, might not find the offer compelling enough. Zion’s trade value may be at a temporary low, but New Orleans could be seeking a more significant package to part ways with their cornerstone player.

Deal Or No Deal: NO DEAL

2. Shai And Zion Pair Up In Oklahoma City

Pelicans Receive: Davis Bertans, Aleksej Pokusevski, Josh Giddey, 2024 First-Round Pick (via Jazz), 2027 First-Round Pick (via Clippers), 2029 First-Round Pick

As the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the Western Conference and eye a deep postseason run, the prospect of pairing Zion Williamson with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren in a dream-worthy Big 3 becomes a tantalizing possibility. This trio, young and yet to reach their full potential, could establish the Thunder as formidable contenders for years to come.

Zion Williamson, currently averaging 21.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, would bring his unique blend of athleticism and skill to complement Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dynamic playmaking and Chet Holmgren’s emerging talents.

For New Orleans, the offered package includes Davis Bertans, a sharpshooting forward, Aleksej Pokusevski, a versatile and promising big man, and the budding star Josh Giddey, who is contributing 11.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the current season. Giddey’s playmaking abilities could potentially develop into those of an All-Star point guard, addressing a positional need for the Pelicans.

Additionally, New Orleans would acquire three valuable first-round picks over the next few years, providing them with the means to build for the future. The attractiveness of this deal for the Pelicans hinges on their willingness to undergo a youth-oriented rebuild. If New Orleans decides to part ways with players like CJ McCollum and Jonas Valančiūnas to embrace a younger core, the Thunder’s offer becomes an enticing proposition.

However, if the Pelicans prioritize a win-now approach and are reluctant to trade Zion at the cost of a younger adjustment, then the deal may not align with their current strategy. In a league where dynamic duos and trios often define success, the potential union of Shai and Zion in Oklahoma City could reshape the Western Conference landscape for years to come.

Deal Or No Deal: DEAL

3. Zion Would Become The Future Of The Nets

In a scenario that could reshape the landscape of the Brooklyn Nets, the prospect of Zion Williamson donning the black and white becomes an enticing proposition. The Nets, future contenders lacking a superstar in their roster, would be positioning themselves for a sustained future with the addition of the young and dynamic Zion.

However, the cost of acquiring a player of Zion’s caliber is significant. The proposed trade includes Mikal Bridges, a versatile forward who has been contributing 21.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists this season. Alongside Bridges, Nicolas Claxton, a promising center, showcases his potential with impressive averages of 12.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks.

For the Pelicans, this deal offers a combination of immediate impact and future assets. Bridges and Claxton can contribute to their current campaign, providing a boost to the roster. Additionally, the inclusion of the 2027 First-Round Pick (via Suns) and the 2029 First-Round Pick (via Mavericks) presents valuable draft assets to aid in the team’s long-term planning.

The decision for the Pelicans boils down to their evaluation of Zion’s long-term commitment and the potential offered by the incoming players and draft picks. If New Orleans envisions a future built around a younger core and is willing to part ways with Zion, this deal could hold substantial appeal.

Yet, considering the uncertainties surrounding Zion’s future and the quality of the assets involved, the Pelicans may decide that the potential return doesn’t outweigh the value of retaining their generational talent.

Deal Or No Deal: NO DEAL

4. The Hawks Go Back To Contending With A Big 3

Pelicans Receive: Clint Capela, De’Andre Hunter, 2026 First-Round Pick (via Spurs), 2028 First-Round Pick

In a bold move that could reignite their playoff aspirations, the Atlanta Hawks would be bringing Zion Williamson into the fold. Currently positioned at 11th in the Eastern Conference with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray leading the charge, the addition of Zion could transform the Hawks into a formidable contender once again.

The proposed trade involves sending Clint Capela, a reliable center posting averages of 11.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, and De’Andre Hunter, a versatile forward contributing 14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Both players have been key components of the Hawks’ roster, but the allure of forming a Big 3 with Zion is a tantalizing prospect for Atlanta.

However, the question arises: Is the package offered by the Hawks enough to secure the future of the franchise in Zion Williamson? While Clint Capela is a solid center, the argument could be made that he doesn’t represent a significant upgrade over Jonas Valanciunas. De’Andre Hunter, while a promising talent, may not possess the potential to become a true superstar.

For the Pelicans, the decision to trade Zion hinges on evaluating the long-term value of the incoming players and picks versus retaining their generational talent and building around him. The proposition from Atlanta, while intriguing, might not be sufficient to convince the Pelicans to part ways with the cornerstone of their franchise.

Deal Or No Deal: NO DEAL

5. Zion And Wembanyama Could Turn The Spurs Into A Dynasty

In a transformative move that could reshape the fortunes of the San Antonio Spurs, the prospect of acquiring Zion Williamson is on the table. Currently sitting at the 15th spot in the Western Conference and in the midst of a rebuilding phase, the Spurs have an opportunity to lay the foundation for a future dynasty with the addition of Zion.

The proposed trade sees the Spurs parting ways with Keldon Johnson, a promising young talent averaging 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, along with Zach Collins and Jeremy Sochan, who have shown flashes of potential. The package is sweetened with a 2024 First-Round Pick, adding a valuable asset to the Pelicans’ collection.

On the Pelicans’ end, the rationale is clear. While Zion Williamson remains a generational talent, the team has struggled to make a significant impact in the postseason. The opportunity to acquire a package of solid role players in Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, and Jeremy Sochan, along with the promise of a future first-round pick, presents a compelling scenario. These players could seamlessly complement Brandon Ingram, potentially shifting the dynamic of the Pelicans.

For the Spurs, the vision is to create a dynamic duo that could dominate the league for years to come. Pairing Zion Williamson with Victor Wembanyama, who boasts impressive averages of 20.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks, could set the stage for a new era of Spurs dominance.

As both teams navigate their respective trajectories—one rebuilding and the other aiming for immediate contention—the potential of Zion and Wembanyama forming a formidable duo in San Antonio adds an intriguing chapter to the NBA narrative.