Does this trade make sense for the New Orleans Pelicans?

The only way this trade makes sense for the New Orleans Pelicans is if one of two things happens: (1.) Zion Williamson gives up on the Pelicans and requests a trade. (2.) The Pelicans and Zion Williamson fail to agree on a long-term contract extension prior to the start of the 2021-22 season. 

It is hard to imagine that the Pelicans will look to trade Zion Williamson in the offseason, which is why this is likely more of a beginning of the season or trade deadline type of scenario here. 

In terms of making sense for the Pelicans, this is truly a trade they should consider simply because they need to continue building for the future. 

Going out and trading for CJ McCollum was a great move and with Jonas Valanciunas and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans are on the verge of being a playoff team. 

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However, they are still lacking a long-term core since McCollum is 30-years-old and Valanciunas is turning 30 in May. 

Adding three first-round draft picks plus Darius Bazley, the Pelicans would have a plethora of future assets that they could once again look to leverage in trade talks for another star, similar to what they did at the deadline this year for McCollum. 

Having options is critical for any organization and if Zion Williamson does not want to be in New Orleans long-term, this organization should not string him along any longer than they need to.  

He may not have played at all this season, but Zion’s value is still extremely high, which is why capitalizing on it while they can may be advantageous for the Pelicans.