All NBA drafts are not born equally. Some classes are seen as more promising than others. With that in mind, the 2019 draft was a big one. As with most drafts, the class was distinct because of it’s top talent. Zion Williamson was one of the most anticipated number-one picks in NBA history.
The New York Knicks were in the running for him. Somehow, it felt like the Knicks would land him. Williamson was poised to be one of the biggest stars in the NBA. New York is the biggest market in the league. It felt inevitable that Williamson and the Knicks would join forces – didn’t it?
Well, it wasn’t. Williamson would go on to join the small-market New Orleans Pelicans instead. Unfortunately, everything hasn’t gone swimmingly since Williamson joined the Pelicans. His frequent injuries have made him an unreliable player. Could the Pelicans send him to the Knicks as a result?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Julius Randle, C Isaiah Hartenstein, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F Zion Williamson
With that said, even the newest NBA fans know the feeling of seeing a generational prospect enter the NBA. Williamson was the most anticipated prospect since LeBron James – until Victor Wembanyama came on the scene. Wembanyama may be the most anticipated prospect in NBA history – period.
He felt predestined to join a particular team, too. Market size didn’t dictate Wembanyama’s preexisting links to the San Antonio Spurs. Instead, Wembanyama grew up as a fan of the Spurs in France. The Spurs rostered French talents like Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, so it would make sense for a young Frenchman to be a fan of the team. Now, Wembanyama’s dreams are coming true.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
Some have suggested that the league rigged the draft to put Wembanyama in San Antonio. Consider us dubious. If the league were in the habit of rigging the draft, wouldn’t Williamson be a Knick? Should the Pelicans make Williamson a Knick now?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Surely, the Pelicans must be growing tired of Williamson’s injuries. This is a player who’s almost constantly hurt. Williamson has barely played a season’s worth of games in four years. If the Pelicans are growing tired of waiting for him to get healthy, we couldn’t blame them.
Let’s suppose the Pelicans are interested in moving Williamson. What should they seek in return? The Pelicans are probably too talented to tank – they’d have to move Brandon Ingram as well as a plethora of talented young players in order to do so. So, they could be happy to reunite with Julius Randle here. He’ll keep them relevant in Williamson’s absence.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, the Pelicans would have one of the best collections of draft capital in the NBA following this deal. If they wanted to trade for another star down the line, they’d be in a prime position to do so. This deal allows the Pelicans to stay in the playoff hunt while increasing their asset base in the process. Should the Knicks set them up so nicely?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
In the 2019 draft, the Knicks would ultimately land the third overall pick. They’d select RJ Barrett with that pick. Like Williamson, he’s been slightly disappointing. Barrett doesn’t have health concerns – he’s just been inconsistent in his on-court performance in the NBA.
Could reuniting with Williamson improve his consistency? This is Barrett’s college teammate. The Knicks would be hoping that the pair’s preexisting chemistry would yield dividends on the floor. With that said, that’s not the main reason to acquire Williamson. What is?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & New York Knicks Updates
Well, when healthy, Williamson has looked the part of an MVP candidate. He’s one of the best players in the NBA when he’s on the floor. If he can just stay healthy, he’ll take the Knicks to another level. In all likelihood, this is exactly what they envisioned in the first place.
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