The expectations are as high as imaginable for Victor Wembanyama after being selected No. 1 overall by the San Antonio Spurs. It’s safe to say, he’s the most anticipated NBA prospect since LeBron James.
Of course, another NBA player held that title only recently. We’re talking about Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. Unfortunately, Williamson has struggled to live up to expectations. He’s been dominant when healthy, but Williamson has struggled to stay on the floor.
There is a real case to be made that Williamson is entering a make-or-break season in 2023-24. Could the Pelicans trade him to the Spurs as a result?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, F Doug McDermott, 2024 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2026 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F Zion Williamson
Are the expectations we put on a top pick fair? It’s a difficult question. On the one hand, this is the nature of the draft cycle. We will inevitably form opinions about prospects. It’s unavoidable.
On the other hand, perhaps the hype machine could take it down a notch. Look at Wembanyama. He’s already been deemed the best prospect in any sport – ever.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Is that fair? Wembanyama’s first Summer League game was underwhelming. He had to face the dreaded “bust” label immediately. Meanwhile, he was impressive in his second game. Could we withhold our judgment to some extent? Should the Pelicans afford Williamson more grace?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Well, we’ve got more than two Summer League games to judge Williamson on. He’s about to enter his fifth NBA season. He’s played a combined 114 games over his first four years. That’s about a season and a half. Could you blame the Pelicans for growing tired of his injuries?
Perhaps that’s why it’s being reported that Williamson could be available “for the right price”. Of course, in theory, any player is available for the right price. Is this the right price for Williamson?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & San Antonio Spurs Updates
We think so. Johnson is a young player with some star potential. Throw in four unprotected first-round picks, and this should be enough to motivate the Pelicans to move on from their star forward. Should the Spurs take a chance on him?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
What’s better than one generational prospect? Two. Listen – this is a huge risk for the Spurs. We know that. At the same time, they’d have to be at least tempted by it.
How many teams in NBA history have had two players with this much anticipation as prospects? The answer is none. We’ve never seen two guys so widely regarded as potential franchise players on the same team at this stage of their careers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The fit between them could be seamless as well. The inside/outside dynamic between Wembanyama and Williamson could lead to some elite offense. On the defensive end, Wembanyama’s abilities as a rim protector and roamer could offset Williamson’s limitations. If everything clicks, they’ll look like two generational prospects on the same team.
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