In the 2023-24 season, Zion Williamson appeared in 70 games, which is a career-high for him. He averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. The Pelicans made it to the postseason, losing to the top seeded Thunder, as Zion’s season ended prematurely again with a hamstring strain in the Lakers’ play-in game.
Given that he had a relatively healthy regular season but still missed crucial postseason action, the Pelicans could be weighing their options. While Zion has shown he’s still a dominant player when on the floor, his injury history and the team’s inability to break through in the playoffs might make them consider exploring trade offers. They’d have to balance his undeniable potential with the risks that come with his recurring health issues.
1. The Rockets Would Become A Powerhouse
Pelicans receive: Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, 2027 First-Round Pick
Rockets receive: Zion Williamson
This deal offers a great mix of present talent and long-term upside going to the Pelicans. Getting Dillon Brooks adds a defensive maestro on the wing, someone who can guard elite players and take pressure off the rest of the roster. But the real highlight for the Pelicans is landing two key young talents. Jabari Smith Jr., who just averaged 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds last season, is growing into a two-way forward with impressive shooting and rebounding skills. He can play inside and out, stretch the floor, and defend multiple positions, which fits perfectly next to Brandon Ingram. Then there’s Amen Thompson, a sophomore playmaker with raw athleticism who can help run the offense and push the pace in transition. The 2027 first-round pick also adds flexibility to either bring in another young piece or use in a future trade.
Moving Zion might feel drastic, but the Pelicans get younger, more durable players who can grow together. Zion has shown flashes of greatness, but keeping him on the floor has been a major challenge. The upside of Amen and Jabari, combined with the security of Brooks and a future pick, gives the Pelicans a clear direction for both the present and future.
For the Rockets, Zion could be the centerpiece they’ve been waiting for to turn their talented young core into a real contender. They’ve already added experienced vets like Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, but Zion would bring a unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill. Alongside Jalen Green, rookie Reed Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, and Alperen Sengun, Zion makes the Rockets’ young core one of the most dangerous in the league. His ability to dominate inside and create mismatches would make the Rockets tough to defend.
The Rockets have been aiming high, making moves in the offseason and looking for ways to break into serious playoff contention. While they tried to make a splash for big names like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker this past summer, a Zion deal could be the perfect answer. His addition would make the Rockets a legit threat, potentially challenging teams like the Thunder for the best young core in the West.
With their current mix of young stars and veteran leadership, the Rockets could easily make a deep playoff run, and Zion might just be the piece that elevates them to another level.
2. Wemby And Zion Could Dominate The League
Pelicans receive: Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, Julian Champagnie, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 Swap Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
Spurs receive: Zion Williamson
For the Pelicans, this deal brings in a solid mix of players and future assets. Keldon Johnson, who has grown into a reliable scorer, would give them an immediate offensive boost. Meanwhile, Jeremy Sochan is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, and Champagnie adds depth. The draft assets — a first-round pick in 2025, another in 2027, and a swap in 2026 — provide long-term value and flexibility for future moves. Given Zion’s injury history, the Pelicans might prefer the security of multiple building blocks over a single high-risk, high-reward player.
For the Spurs, this trade could be a game-changer. Pairing Victor Wembanyama and Zion would form one of the most physically dominant frontcourts in the league. Zion’s explosive interior scoring and Wemby’s elite shot-blocking and versatility would create a nightmare for opposing defenses. Wemby already posted 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game last season, showing he’s on track to be a superstar. Adding Zion to that mix, with his 22.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game when healthy, would make the Spurs a force in the Western Conference.
Adding to the intrigue, the Spurs have Chris Paul on a one-year deal to mentor this young core. CP3’s experience running the offense would help maximize the potential of Zion and Wemby together, creating a dynamic pick-and-roll game. With Paul’s leadership and the incredible upside of Wemby and Zion, the Spurs could be looking at an instant leap back into playoff contention, ending their rebuild much faster than anticipated.
3. The New Blazers’ Franchise Player
Pelicans receive: Jerami Grant, Robert Williams III, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick
Rockets receive: Zion Williamson
The Blazers have been navigating a new era since trading Damian Lillard, and adding Zion Williamson could give them a fresh identity and direction. With young talents like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Deandre Ayton, Zion would be the perfect player to build around. His explosiveness in the paint and ability to dominate when healthy would elevate this young core. The Blazers committed to a youth movement, and moving established veterans like Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III makes sense as they focus on the future.
Grant, who averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in the 2023-24 season, is a versatile forward with the ability to score and defend. But with the Blazers fully embracing a rebuild, his sizable contract (over $100 million still owed) is less ideal for their timeline. Moving him, along with Robert Williams III, allows them to free up space for a younger Donovan Clingan to take a bigger role. Williams, while an excellent defender, has struggled with injuries, and the Blazers are looking for more reliable options as they develop their younger roster.
For the Pelicans, this deal would bring both immediate contributors and long-term flexibility. Grant can step into a forward role, adding much-needed scoring and defensive depth. Meanwhile, Robert Williams III offers an elite rim protector to improve the team’s interior defense. Given Zion’s history of injuries, the Pelicans might be ready to explore options that provide more stability. The addition of two first-round picks also sweetens the deal, giving them future assets to continue building for years to come.
This trade would benefit both teams by aligning their respective needs and goals. The Blazers get their next franchise cornerstone in Zion, and the Pelicans gain a more stable, well-rounded roster to push forward in the Western Conference.
