It is no secret that the New Orleans Pelicans are shopping their star players, mainly Zion Williamson who has not lived up to his massive expectations since his rookie season and has only appeared in six games in 2024-25. Zion has not been able to stay healthy this season with only six appearances and perhaps a change of scenery would spark a mentality change to get in shape.
No doubt, the San Antonio Spurs is a franchise built on success and winning and they will make sure Zion stays on track when it comes to staying in shape and doing the right things off the court. After all, they are proving that with how dominant Victor Wembanyama has looked this season, posting 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game.
The Pelicans catered too much to Williamson and that might have been the difference in the player’s stint with the team. We have proposed a trade package where the Spurs can acquire Williamson and it is very interesting to see how it would work out for both teams.
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, Zach Collins, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2028 First-Round Pick
San Antonio Spurs Create Unstoppable Frontcourt
Landing Zion Williamson transforms the Spurs’ frontcourt into a potential juggernaut. Pairing Williamson with Victor Wembanyama creates a duo unlike anything the NBA has seen—a fusion of unparalleled athleticism and transcendent skill. Williamson, when healthy, is an offensive powerhouse, averaging 24.6 points on 58.7% shooting from the field for his career.
When healthy, his ability to dominate in the paint complements Wembanyama’s versatility as a stretch big who can handle the ball, shoot from deep, and protect the rim. Together, they would terrorize opposing defenses and dominate the boards.
Coach Gregg Popovich (currently nursing himself back to health) would be the perfect mentor to get the best out of Zion. The Spurs’ culture emphasizes accountability, discipline, and player development, which could reignite Williamson’s commitment to staying in shape and improving his game.
With a young core led by Wembanyama and Zion, plus guards like Devin Vassell and Tre Jones, the Spurs could emerge as one of the most exciting and formidable teams in the Western Conference. While this trade costs the Spurs key pieces like Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan, it’s a calculated risk.
The chance to acquire a generational talent in Williamson, who has already shown All-NBA potential when healthy, is worth sacrificing depth. If Zion can remain on the court, this move positions the Spurs as perennial contenders.
New Orleans Pelicans Kickstart Their Fire Sale
For the Pelicans, this trade represents a full-scale reset with a solid foundation for the future. Keldon Johnson is an intriguing talent, averaging 12.2 points and 5.0 rebounds this season while demonstrating improved efficiency and defensive versatility.
At 25 years old, he fits the timeline for a rebuild and provides New Orleans with a capable scorer and leader to build around. Jeremy Sochan, meanwhile, brings defensive grit and playmaking upside, making him a valuable long-term piece as he is posting 14.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in a breakout year.
Adding Zach Collins bolsters the Pelicans’ frontcourt depth immediately. Collins is a capable stretch big who can contribute as a backup or spot starter, averaging 5.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks this season. The real prize, however, lies in the three first-round picks, which offer the Pelicans flexibility to either draft high-potential prospects or package assets for a future superstar.
This trade also relieves New Orleans of the uncertainty surrounding Williamson’s health and off-court concerns. While Zion’s potential is undeniable, his inability to stay on the court has hindered the Pelicans’ ability to progress. By moving on from Williamson, New Orleans can fully embrace a rebuild (and look to then move Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum) to one day construct a team with more stability and balance.
A Blockbuster Trade That Makes Spurs Major Winners
This trade has the potential to be a defining moment for the Spurs. Zion Williamson may come with risks, but his ceiling as a dominant force in the NBA is unmatched. At just 24 years old, Williamson has already proven he can be a game-changer, including in the 2020-21 breakout season where he averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 61.1% from the floor. If he stays healthy, Zion can be the cornerstone of San Antonio’s next championship team.
Pairing Williamson with Wembanyama unlocks a new level of offensive creativity and defensive versatility. Wembanyama’s unique skill set allows him to space the floor for Zion’s relentless drives to the rim, while Zion’s gravity in the paint opens up opportunities for Wembanyama and others on the perimeter. Together, they could redefine how modern big men dominate the game, bringing the Spurs back to the forefront of the Western Conference.
This trade also sends a message that San Antonio is ready to compete now. By acquiring Zion, the Spurs signal their intent to capitalize on Wembanyama’s rookie contract and build a contender quickly. While it comes with risks, this blockbuster deal sets the stage for the Spurs to become one of the league’s premier teams once again.
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