The 2025 offseason could feature one of the most shocking trades in recent memory: Zion Williamson to the Detroit Pistons. In a bold proposal by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, the Detroit Pistons would acquire the two-time All-Star and former No. 1 pick.
With the Pelicans front office headed for a complete overhaul, and Zion’s future in New Orleans more uncertain than ever, the time might finally be right for a blockbuster deal.
Detroit Pistons Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jaden Ivey, Tobias Harris, 2027 first-round pick (top-5 protected), 2027 second-round pick, 2027 second-round pick (via Milwaukee Bucks)
For Detroit, this is the kind of swing that can redefine a franchise. Coming off a 44-win season and their first playoff appearance in years, the Pistons have found their leader in Cade Cunningham, who averaged 26.1 points and 9.1 assists per game.
But Cunningham needs help, especially someone who can draw defensive attention and shoulder the scoring burden when the game slows down. That’s where Zion fits in.
Despite all his injury concerns, Williamson remains one of the most dominant interior scorers in basketball. He averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this season, even while dealing with another injury-riddled campaign.
At just 24 years old, Zion still has time to tap into his full potential, and in Detroit, surrounded by a young core of Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, and rookie standout Ron Holland, he could finally find the system and stability to thrive. With Harris’ contract expiring, the Pistons also maintain cap flexibility moving forward.
On the flip side, the Pelicans have run out of patience. After five straight injury-plagued seasons and no meaningful postseason success, ownership is reportedly ready to move on. According to insider Shamit Dua, if Joe Dumars is appointed as the new head of basketball operations, ownership would mandate that Zion be traded.
The decision would mark a dramatic shift in the franchise’s trajectory, especially considering how Williamson was once hailed as the savior of New Orleans basketball.
Trading Zion gives the Pelicans a fresh start. Jaden Ivey, despite suffering a leg injury this season, still showed promise as a scoring combo guard, putting up 17.6 points per game before going down.
He would step in as the starting two-guard alongside either Dejounte Murray or CJ McCollum, and the Pelicans could pivot into a new era led by young talent like Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Jordan Hawkins, Yves Missi, and whoever they select in the upcoming draft.
With Harris’ expiring deal and multiple picks, New Orleans would also gain valuable financial flexibility.
The trade would certainly be polarizing. Zion still has superstar potential, but his availability continues to be a massive question mark. For Detroit, it’s a calculated risk with a potentially massive reward. For New Orleans, it’s about turning the page before another year is lost to injuries and what-ifs.
If pulled off, this deal could reshape both franchises and perhaps even the balance of power in the Eastern Conference. One thing is for sure: if Zion can stay healthy, Cade and Zion could be one of the most dynamic duos in the league.
