The New Orleans Pelicans are on the brink of ending their six-year-long relationship with Zion Williamson. The franchise has only had Zion for 6 games this season, further fueling frustration at the constant unavailability of the franchise star. The Pelicans are going to land a solid franchise prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, so they can move on from Zion and build a new core.
If the Pelicans were to move on from Zion, a team like the Houston Rockets might have the space and scope of risk to take a leap. They have plentiful assets and can land Zion for a reasonable offer which will also protect the bulk of their future assets.
Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Steven Adams, Jae’Sean Tate
The Pelicans will be glad to swap out Zion’s wasted potential for a future with Jabari Smith Jr. as part of their young forward core. The Rockets can gamble on the potential of Zion being healthy because if they can get a healthy year out of him, it might solidify them as contenders.
The Rockets Take A Huge Gamble
The Houston Rockets have proven their worth as contenders this season. They’re currently the No. 2 seed in the West with a 23-12 record. With a return to the Playoffs on the horizon, the Rockets can add a unique x-factor who’d transform their competitive outlook.
Zion ($36.7 million) was averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists before picking up a hamstring injury. With Williamson back to doing drills in practice, a return is on the horizon. If the Rockets pounce now, they could maximize a rested Zion through to the end of the season.
The likelihood of injury is really high but if they get lucky, it would be a major haul for them at this price. It’s a huge what-if though, so skepticism will likely restrict this trade from becoming reality.
Williamson can be an intriguing fit alongside Alperen Sengun in the post, adding a vertical threat for the Rockets as a bailout offensive option they desperately require. A healthy Zion will also attract so much defensive attention it’d open the floor up more for scorers like Jalen Green while giving Sengun an excellent passing option on back-cuts and lobs.
The Pelicans Move On For A Healthy Return
The New Orleans Pelicans won’t get much more out of Zion, whether it’s on the court or as a trade asset. His clear talent and still young age make him an enticing redemption project,m but the bridges in New Orleans might be burned beyond repair. This is the best time to move on from Zion and they can get a solid return for him.
Jabari Smith Jr. ($9.7 million) is averaging 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds this season. While his offensive development has been stale, the Pelicans will land a ready-made defensive prospect with a potentially high ceiling. He’d fit their core of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones perfectly, returning the Pelicans to contender status next season with Dejounte Murray also on the roster.
A very high 2025 Draft pick will inevitably join the franchise, as they sit last in the West with a 7-29 record this season. They’re not going to be competitive this year, so moving on from Zion for a tangible future might be their best way forward. With Brandon Ingram also expected to move on, this is the deal to get pastures new, with Steven Adams ($12.6 million) and Jae’Sean Tate’s ($7.5 million) contract included as filler.
A Tough Deal With Potentially Great Results
Houston Rockets: B
New Orleans Pelicans: A
This is not going to be an easy deal to agree to for either side. The Pelicans actually might jump at the chance to get rid of their Zion nightmare for a prospect like Jabari Smith, but they’d be a laughing stock if Zion could bounce back on the Rockets.
A change of scenery could be the catalyst that unleashes Zion into NBA superstardom. The Rockets can take that chance and prosper while minimizing the downsides if it goes sideways. Every time we’ve seen Zion on the court, we’re reminded of his incredible potential and consistent performances. Maybe being in Houston allows him to finally be more available under a new training staff.
Zion’s contract will be up in 2028, so they could move on from this if it’s a failure. Nonetheless, it working out could return the Rockets to perennial contention in the West with an incredible young core and a fantastic coach.
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