At times, we’ve all got to take risks. It can be daunting. When a risk doesn’t pay off, it can be devastating. Yet, we’ve all got to take risks to get ahead – even NBA teams.
On the other hand, every risk isn’t worth taking. At times, it’s best to simply avoid a risk. Once again, this applies to NBA teams. They need to do their own risk/reward calculus. After doing so, they may decide to take a risk – or avoid it altogether.
Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans is a risk. The Pelicans take a risk by continuing to roster him. Any team trading for him would be taking a risk as well. On the other hand, the potential payoff from acquiring him could be enormous. At times, Williamson has looked like a future MVP winner. Could the Washington Wizards take a risk and acquire him?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Tyus Jones, 2025 First-Round Pick (WAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (WAS), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap- WAS)
Washington Wizards Receive: F Zion Williamson
What makes Williamson a risk? Clearly, it’s because of his injury concerns. Williamson is almost constantly hurt. He’s barely played a season’s worth of games in four seasons of NBA basketball. There’s a very real concern that Williamson will never be able to stay consistently healthy.
Given the risk factor involved in Williamson, it’s nearly impossible to accurately gauge his trade value. Please, be generous when considering this deal. Would you give up four or five unprotected first-round picks for Williamson? Would anyone? What if he can’t stay healthy?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Washington Wizards Updates
On the other hand, the potential remains tantalizing. Williamson is a confusing player. Nobody can be sure what to expect from the rest of his NBA career. Should the Pelicans cut ties with him already?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Let’s consider the position that the Pelicans would be in following this deal. They’d still have a surplus of young talent. Brandon Ingram still has room to improve. Dyson Daniels, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and others still have plenty of upside. What would the Pelicans be missing?
Well, they’d be missing a franchise-caliber player. In other words, they’d be missing Williamson. So, for the Pelicans, this is an opportunity for a fresh start. They’d be adding to what’s already one of the better collections of draft capital around the NBA. The Pelicans would be taking steps to replace Williamson with a player of the same caliber who can stay healthy.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Washington Wizards Updates
In the meantime, the Pelicans should stay relevant. They’re bringing in two quality rotation players here. The Pelicans wouldn’t need to tank. Instead, they’d simply tread water until a star player of their liking demanded a trade, and make the best offer that they could. What’s the plan for Washington following this deal?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
Obviously, the plan would be to build around Williamson. Some Wizards fans won’t like this deal. The Wizards just traded Bradley Beal. Shouldn’t they be a little more patient in their rebuild?
Perhaps. On the other hand, how often does a buy-low opportunity for a player like Williamson come around? When healthy, he’s one of the best players in the NBA. Williamson is an automatic paint touch who can also set up teammates. If he can just get his body right, he’s likely to be better than any player that the Wizards could land in the draft.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Washington Wizards Updates
Of course, that’s a huge “if”. Make no mistake, this is a risk for the Wizards. Still, if it pays off, it’ll be a franchise-defining decision for Washington. All they need to do is decide whether it’s a risk worth taking or not.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
