Zion Williamson Only Wants Pelicans To Trade Him To 1 Of 2 NBA Teams
Zion Williamson Only Wants Pelicans To Trade Him To 1 Of 2 NBA Teams

The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a precarious position midway through the 2024-25 NBA season. With a disappointing 9-32 record, they currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference. This poor performance has fueled speculation about the future of their star player, Zion Williamson.
Trade rumors have begun to swirl around Williamson, with some suggesting he may be seeking a move to a larger market. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks have been mentioned as potential destinations. These rumors stem from Williamson’s perceived desire for increased marketability and exposure.
“Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t want to be there,” Stephen A. Smith said this week. “He wants to be in a major market like LA, New York, or whatever, because he wants the marketability.”
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Williamson’s tenure with the Pelicans has been marked by flashes of brilliance on the court, but also by persistent questions about his professionalism and commitment to the team. His immense talent is undeniable, but concerns about his fitness and availability have dogged him throughout his career.
The Pelicans’ roster boasts several talented players alongside Williamson, including Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and the recently acquired Dejounte Murray. However, injuries and inconsistent play have prevented this group from reaching its full potential.
For the Pelicans, trading Williamson would be a monumental decision. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill make him a rare commodity in the NBA. Any potential trade would likely require a substantial return, including young players, draft picks, and possibly established stars.
The Knicks and Lakers, if interested, would need to carefully consider the assets they’d be willing to part with. The Knicks could potentially offer a package centered around players like Mitchell Robinson and future draft picks. The Lakers, with fewer draft assets, might need to get creative in structuring a deal.
Williamson’s trade value remains a subject of debate. His on-court production, when healthy, is elite. In his last full season, he averaged over 27 points per game on exceptional efficiency. However, his injury history and questions about his conditioning could give potential suitors pause.
The 2025 NBA Draft looms as another factor in this equation. Teams considering a trade for Williamson must weigh the opportunity cost against the potential of high draft picks in what is expected to be a strong class.
As the February trade deadline approaches, the Pelicans face a crucial decision. They must determine whether to continue building around Williamson or to explore trade options that could reshape their franchise for years to come.

A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.