When a player is picked first overall in the NBA draft, they enter the league with sky-high expectations. With that said, some top picks have higher expectations than others. When a player is given the “generational” label, he’s got to be in consideration for the MVP award at some point in his career to make good on expectations.
Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans was supposed to be generational. When he’s been on the court, he’s looked likely to make good on those expectations. Unfortunately, that’s been far too uncommon of an occurrence throughout his NBA career so far. Williamson has barely played a full season’s worth of games in four years.
Do the Pelicans have to give up on him? We wouldn’t go that far. The Pelicans could continue to gamble on Williamson’s health. With that said, if they did decide to finally move Williamson, nobody could blame them. Could they send him to the Brooklyn Nets?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Zion Williamson
With that said, Williamson isn’t the only former number pick in this proposal. He’s not the only one who was highly anticipated, either. Finally, he’s not the only one who’s fallen short of expectations.
Simmons didn’t have quite Williamson’s hype. Still, he wasn’t far off. This is a player who invited comparisons to LeBron James as a prospect. For a while, Simmons was justifying those comparisons. This was an All-NBA player. What happened?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Well, injuries haven’t helped Simmons’ career either. He’s struggled to keep his body right. Still, it feels like psychological factors have held Simmons back. His complete absence of a jump shot hasn’t helped either. It’s not too late for Simmons to return to form, but if he’s going to do it, it needs to happen soon. Should the Pelicans give him an opportunity?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Well, the Pelicans don’t exactly do this deal for Simmons. Still, if he’s able to even resemble his peak self, this could be a steal for New Orleans. They’re flipping an injury-prone star for a lesser star and three unprotected first-round picks. That’s a good deal.
In fact, in light of Williamson’s injury history, this is a good deal even if Simmons retires upon his arrival in the Big Easy. Williamson is a huge injury risk. Landing three unprotected firsts for him would be good value for New Orleans. They’re only able to do so here because they’re absorbing Simmons’ albatross contract.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Brooklyn Nets Updates
What would the Pelicans do next? We’re not sure – but they’d have options. If they wanted to tank, they could move Ingram for more picks and assemble one of the best collections of draft capital in the NBA. Alternatively, they’d already have enough capital to trade for another star. Should the Nets afford them that flexibility?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Unlike the Pelicans, the Nets don’t have that flexibility. This team can’t tank. They owe their first-round picks, whether outright or via swap, to the Houston Rockets through to 2027.
With that context in mind, taking a risk on Williamson isn’t the most obvious move. If he can’t get healthy, Rockets fans will be the only ones celebrating this deal. With that said, they’ll be furious if Williamson can stay on the floor. In that event, Brooklyn could be one of the best teams in the NBA. Williamson would be the offensive focal point that this team desperately needs.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Suddenly, Mikal Bridges would be in the more fitting role of second option. Meanwhile, the Nets would have their pair surrounded by elite spacing and defence. Nic Claxton’s ability to guard multiple positions would offset Williamson’s shortcomings on that end of the floor. All told, a healthy Williamson would make this team a lot stronger. After all, he’s supposed to be a generational prospect.
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