Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans has had a frustrating start to his NBA career. When healthy, he’s looked like one of the best players in the league. Unfortunately, he’s almost never healthy. Williamson has barely played more than a season’s worth of games over his four-year career.
At the same time, all hope is not lost. We’ve seen players who were bitten by the injury bug early bounce back. It’s difficult, but it can be accomplished.
Just look at Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. At the beginning of his career, there were questions about whether he’d ever be able to stay healthy. Now, he’s the leagues reigning MVP. Could the Pelicans trade Williamson for him?
The Trade Proposal
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F Zion Williamson, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2025 First-Round Pick (NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Joel Embiid
On the other hand, every injury story doesn’t have a happy ending.Injuries have destroyed NBA careers. We’ve seen countless examples. Players like Greg Odon, Brandon Roy, and Penny Hardaway were never able to recover.
What does it boil down to? More than anything, probably luck. Everybody is different, and every body is different as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Will Williamson’s body hold up to the scrutiny of NBA basketball? We do not know. All the Pelicans can do is hope. Unless the Sixers trade for him, of course.
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Philadelphia may be the City of Brotherly Love. Lately, the Sixers don’t seem to be feeling it.James Harden has requested a trade. This is a significant problem for Philadelphia. They don’t have the assets to replace him. How does Joel Embiid feel about all of this?
We don’t know. Still, it feels likely that he isn’t pleased. Typically, star players don’t like to see their team regress. If Embiid is growing uneasy, it could benefit the Sixers to trade him soon.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Taking a chance on Williamson is risky. Still, if he can get healthy, the Sixers could win this trade. If he hits his ceiling, Williamson could be a perennial MVP candidate. Should the Pelicans really move him?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
All isn’t necessarily well in New Orleans, either. Things in the Big Easy have been anything but. Perhaps that’s why, apparently, Williamson could ge available for the right price. How about the league’s Most Valuable Player?
Meanwhile, the Pelicans would have a strong supporting cast to put around Embiid. Brandon Ingram is a suitable co-star, and the Pelicans are stacked with talented young role players. Guys like Larry Nance Jr, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III would give them a deep squad.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Joel Embiid, New Orleans Pelicans & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Could the Pelicans risk watching Williamson blossom in Philadelphia? Sure. At the same time, they’re hoping he can be an MVP-caliber player. Joel Embiid is one now. Even after a frustrating start to his career
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