One NBA writer is proposing that the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers make a blockbuster trade centered around Zion Williamson and Paul George.
Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World proposed that the Pelicans trade Williamson to the Clippers for George, Terance Mann and a first-round pick in 2029.
“Both the Clippers and Pelicans are in their current positions after four years of team-building their cores,” Bhattacharya wrote. “The Clippers did it by acquiring George and Kawhi Leonard, while the Pelicans did so by drafting Williamson and trading Anthony Davis. Four years later, both teams haven’t found any success with their situations bordering on untenable. The Pelicans cannot reconcile Williamson to return to the court, while the Clippers can’t keep their core healthy enough for a championship run.
“Swapping George for Williamson means both teams are making a pretty remarkable adjustment to what they’ve done till now. George won’t be the long-term answer the Pelicans need, but he is a terrific stopgap who can play multiple positions when healthy. If the players are healthy, both teams can unlock success in different ways. If Williamson can become the future face of the Clippers as they finally enter their own arena, it will be a massive win for the franchise, given Leonard’s age and possible departure.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, Paul George, New Orleans Pelicans & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Both George and Williamson have been in NBA trade rumors this summer. The New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers were interested in acquiring George, but things changed after New York and Portland got word that George was seeking a massive extension. The swingman is eligible for a contract extension worth around $220 million over four years.
George has only played in 87 out of a possible 164 games in the past two seasons. The eight-time All-Star averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Clippers last season but didn’t play in the 2023 playoffs due to a knee injury.
George signed a four-year, $176 million maximum contract extension with the Clippers in December 2020. The six-time All-NBA forward will make $45.6 million next season. He has a player option worth $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season.
There have been several questions about Williamson’s diet and commitment to basketball since he’s only played 114 out of a possible 308 regular-season games since being drafted by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke. Williamson played in 24 games in his rookie year and 61 games in his sophomore year. The lefty then missed his entire third year and appeared in just 29 games last season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, Paul George, New Orleans Pelicans & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
When he’s been on the court, Williamson has been a superstar. The North Carolina native has career NBA averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 60.5% from the floor. However, the Pelicans are only 57-57 when Williamson plays.
Most people around the NBA don’t expect the Pelicans to trade Williamson before the upcoming season starts. However, a trade during the 2023-24 season hasn’t been ruled out.
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