The New Orleans Pelicans have been mentioned in a series of rumors in recent days. Zion Williamson isn’t on the best terms with the team right now, which could prompt the Pels to move him away.
Several teams appear to be good candidates for a Williamson trade, and a surprising one could show up if a trade proposed by Andre Snellings of ESPN goes through.
Philadelphia 76ers get: Williamson ($33M this year), Larry Nance Jr. ($10M this year), Garrett Temple ($5M), Trey Murphy III ($3M)
New Orleans Pelicans get: James Harden (currently $33M before opt-out; Harden must agree to sign-and-trade), P.J. Tucker ($10.5M), Mac McClung (qualifying offer), two 2024 second-round picks (76ers’ and Knicks’ picks)
Snelling writes that the Sixers would be a real threat with Joel Embiid and Zion Williamson showing the way. If they manage to keep a solid supporting cast, this team would be great to watch.
As for the Pelicans, they don’t have the same style of play as the Sixers, and with Brandon Ingram as the No. 1 option, James Harden would have more scoring opportunities than he currently has in Philadelphia.
Besides that, the opportunities for PJ Tucker to team up with Jonas Valanciunas and Herb Jones and create a solid defensive team.
The Pelicans finished 9th in the Western Conference this campaign, losing in the first play-in game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets were the No. 3 seed in the East but they couldn’t perform in the postseason, losing to the Boston Celtics in the Second Round of the playoffs.
This swap could be the response they need to go deeper in the playoff and perhaps compete for a chance to play in the NBA Finals.
Zion Williamson Has A Big Market If He Becomes Available In Trade Talks
Besides the Sixers, Williamson could join other teams in the NBA. The forward has been linked with the Charlotte Hornets recently as the Pelicans would like to move up to the top 3 in the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft.
Sending him to Charlotte would be a good deal for the Pelicans, but the Hornets reportedly prefer to have Brandon Ingram in a potential trade. This will be an entertaining offseason for the Pelicans, and fans will be waiting to see how the Zion saga unfolds, as well as Harden’s decision to stay or leave the Sixers.
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