Should The Pelicans Consider Trading Zion Williamson?
The New Orleans Pelicans don’t want to trade Zion Williamson. He was expected to be the new face of the franchise after they landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, it is a relationship that has been rocky since Day 1.
Williamson’s camp, specifically some family members, have been pushing for him to be traded elsewhere essentially since he entered the NBA.
There is a lack of trust in the front office, which has been part of the reason Williamson has seemingly been disengaged.
While New Orleans would love to keep him, this is a road they have been down before. Chris Paul and Anthony Davis eventually both asked for trades and Williamson seems to be heading down a similar path. That is why they should consider trading him now.
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Williamson will push for a trade so that he can maximize his earnings. If he signs a rookie extension with the Pelicans and is traded during it, he isn’t eligible for a supermax, he will have to wait until he has accrued 10 years of service time. But, if he is traded this offseason before the extension begins, he would be eligible for a supermax with his new team.
If Zion Williamson doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, there is no reason for the Pelicans to extend this partnership any longer.
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They can build the roster around Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum and be competitive next season with the pieces they get in return for Williamson.
If they can get something of value for him, the Pelicans need to consider it. Given his injury history and the relationship between the two sides, it could be best to part ways now.
