New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Julius Randle, 2022 First-Round Pick (No. 11 – NYK), 2023 First-Round Pick (Swap – NYK), 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2025 First-Round Pick (Swap – NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – NYK)

New York Knicks receive: F Zion Williamson, G Devonte’ Graham

The New Orleans Pelicans may not be interested in bringing Julius Randle back to the organization. On the other hand, if he’s bringing six first-round picks and/or pick swaps along with him, they may feel differently.

Furthermore, the Pelicans were a different team when they last rostered Randle. They’re a better one now. With Brandon Ingram as the focal point of their offense, Randle may thrive as the second option on a competitive team.

Still, this trade is about the draft capital for the Pels. After making it, they’d have almost as much as the Oklahoma City Thunder. Only, the Pelicans would also be competitive now.

Winning games while boasting the league’s second-most impressive collection of draft capital would have them in an excellent position. They’d likely look to package those picks for a disgruntled, not-chronically-injured star replacement for Williamson ASAP.

LATEST NBA NEWS. & TRADE RUMORS: Here’s How The Knicks Could Pull Off Wild Zion Williamson Trade

As for the New York Knicks, they’re taking quite the risk here. Forfeiting control of their draft from now to 2027 for a player who can’t stay healthy is, to put it lightly, bold. On the other hand, if Williamson can turn his injury luck around, it could be worth it.

Once again, his ceiling is limitless. If the Knicks were to pair him with his old Duke teammates RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish, theirs could be too.