New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Obi Toppin, G Alec Burks, 2022 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2023 First-Round Pick (NYK – Swap), 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2025 First-Round Pick (NYK – Swap), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F Zion Williamson
We call this the Harden model.
The Rockets notoriously received almost nothing but draft capital for their beleaguered star. The Knicks have almost nothing else to offer the Pelicans in exchange for Zion.
They’re parting with a total of six picks or pick swaps in this exchange. That’s one less than the Rockets received for Harden. The Beard was an in-prime superstar without a laundry list of injury concerns.
With so many questions surrounding Williamson’s future, his value is slightly depreciated. Plus, the Pelicans are receiving a promising young player at the same position in Obi Toppin.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Should Pelicans Consider Trading Zion Williamson In Offseason?
There is risk involved for both sides in this exchange. As painful as it is to say, the Knicks can’t be sure that Williamson will ever overcome his health problems. They’re potentially trading away their future for a handful of magic beans here.
Meanwhile, there is always a risk incurred in acquiring draft picks. If Williamson does become the player he has the potential to be, all of these picks have a strong likelihood of landing outside of the lottery.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Should Pelicans Consider Trading Zion Williamson In Offseason?
If that’s too much risk for the Pelicans to incur, they may be forced to look elsewhere for a deal. The Knicks may not be inclined to include RJ Barrett in this deal. Trading Zion’s former teammate before he even finds his way to the team feels like bad business.
