Why The New Orleans Pelicans Might Pull The Trigger
The Pelicans will not entertain this trade unless Zion Williamson has demanded a trade. After all, they’d be hoping to select a player of his caliber with every one of these draft picks.
If they’re forced to move him, this package might be the best they could hope for. The Knicks’ 2022 pick conveys in the lottery. With a little luck, they could land a future star to pair with Brandon Ingram instantly.
Otherwise, they’ll give themselves three more opportunities to do so through the draft. While the Knicks will be hoping to escape the lottery with this trade, Zion Williamson’s injury history looms. The Pelicans will be hoping that it goes from being their problem to their blessing.
It’s tactless to hope for injuries. Regardless, they’re a part of professional sports. If Zion is forced to miss a season in a Knicks uniform, it increases the odds of one of these picks conveying in the lottery tenfold.
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Finally, Toppin is no throw-in. We already expanded on his defensive prowess. Adding a 24-year-old with long-term starter potential is significant for a team in the Pelicans’ hypothetical position here. This trade sets the Pelicans up for the future and based on their play in 2021-22, might keep them in a position to compete next year as well.
