College basketball is its own beast. To some, it’s more meaningful than the NBA. Still, even die-hard fans of the league are likely to find themselves in front of a TV screen watching March Madness.
As a result, the bonds between college teammates are strong. If they have a good showing in the tournament, they become even stronger. That’s an experience they’ll share for the rest of their lives. Nobody can take it from them.
So, when college teammates meet in the NBA, it’s special. Sometimes, it happens. For the time being, Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans and RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks are on separate teams. Could that change soon?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, C Mitchell Robinson, G Immanuel Quickley, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F Zion Williamson
Meanwhile, when two college teammates are lottery picks in the same draft, it’s exceptional. It doesn’t happen very often. In 2019, it did.
Zion Williamson was the clear top selection. In fact, he was seen as a generational prospect. Leading up to the lottery, everyone wanted him. The Knicks were no exception. Somehow, it just felt like the Knicks would land him. It wasn’t every year that the league’s biggest market had strong lottery odds with a generational prospect on the board.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New York Knicks & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The rest is history. Williamson landed with the small-market Pelicans. Meanwhile, the Knicks selected Barrett with the third overall pick. Williamson has been dominant – when healthy. By contrast, Barrett has been somewhat underwhelming. Could reuniting with his college teammate jump-start his career?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Some will question our logic here. The Knicks have had success with Julius Randle. Why are they acquiring a player at his position?
Simple: that player is Zion Williamson. He’s had significant health concerns throughout his career. That’s undeniable. When healthy, he’s looked like one of the best players in the NBA. Williamson’s unique blend of size, speed, and vertical leap makes him an automatic paint touch.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New York Knicks & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
What will the Knicks do with Randle? We don’t know, and frankly, we don’t care. They could try to run him at the 5 in a full-time small-ball group. Alternatively, this could be their excuse to trade him. Either way, the potential payoff of paying Williamson is enormous. Should the Pelicans give him up?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Frankly, Williamson is among the most confusing players in the NBA. Is this far too much for the Knicks to give up? Is it not enough for the Pelicans to receive? Yes – and yes.
It is what it is. Williamson is constantly hurt. It’s unclear whether he’ll ever get healthy again. The Pelicans could be justified in giving up on him. If they decided to, this would be a good return. Most significantly, they’re landing three unprotected first-round picks.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New York Knicks & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
With that said, the addition of Robinson is meaningful. It’s been suggested that the Pelicans are looking for a defensive big. Granted, trading Williamson for one would be excessive, but the point holds – Robinson gives them one to move forward with. Throw in a talented young player in Quickley, and this deal could inspire the Pelicans to reunite a pair of college teammates.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
