How This Trade Impacts New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans assuredly want to retain Zion Williamson. They don’t want to trade him, but they could have their hand forced. Trading away superstar-level players on rookie deals is always difficult, but this one presents a solid return for the Pelicans.
John Collins is a great player in his own right and would slide right into a starting spot in the frontcourt. Collins has had some injury concerns in his career, but nothing to the extent of Williamson.
As the No. 3 option behind Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, Collins could thrive. Given his versatile skill set on both ends of the court, Collins would make for an intriguing frontcourt partner with Jonas Valanciuas. His 3-point shooting brings a dimension that Williamson was unable to provide.
Onyeka Okongwu could be their new center of the future, which the team had hoped Jaxson Hayes would be. He and Larry Nance Jr. would create a bouncy, versatile second unit frontcourt that will get after it defensively.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chances Of Zion Williamson Playing Before End Of Season, Revealed
New Orleans adds depth in the frontcourt and some excellent draft capital. Following the trades of Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday, New Orleans has a ton of draft picks. They can use those to build trade packages to add more established players to the roster to continue pushing for the postseason in the future.
The 2022 and 2024 first-round picks are unprotected from Atlanta, while the others are coming from the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets and may not convey. The 2023 swap gives the Pelicans another chance to move up in the draft.
