Throughout NBA history, there have been countless times where stars left a small-market franchise in order to go to a bigger city and perhaps try and win a championship. Anthony Davis moving to the Los Angeles Lakers was a recent trade that exemplified that concept, and he ended up winning the NBA championship with LeBron James. Despite Anthony Davis departing, the New Orleans Pelicans still managed to get the No. 1 pick that draft: Zion Williamson.
Zion Williamson has shown that he is a star in this league, and has had a stellar season this year. Despite a promising situation in New Orleans, there have been some that doubt whether he wants to spend his entire NBA career there. After Zion Williamson praised the New York basketball atmosphere, there has been speculation on whether he will move there at some point during his time in the NBA. Former NBA champion Matt Barnes has claimed that it is only a matter of time before Zion Williamson will leave New Orleans.
Matt Barnes sends a message to Pelicans fans
"This is probably the inevitable. I don't see Zion ending his career in New Orleans. Enjoy it while you have it."https://t.co/78MPikkF7H
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 19, 2021
While there is nothing concrete about Zion Williamson and any other franchise, his remarks sent many media members into a frenzy. Perhaps he will be one of those players who leaves a small-market franchise: but he could also be a player who stays with one team, and tries to help them win. At the end of the day, it’s Zion Williamson’s decision where he plays once he hits unrestricted free agency: but the New Orleans Pelicans have some time to convince him to stay.
