One NBA writer is proposing that the New York Knicks trade for New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson in a giant blockbuster deal. Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Knicks and Pelicans:
New York Knicks Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, 2024 Knicks First-Round Pick, 2025 Knicks First-Round Pick
Madison Square Garden is Williamson’s favorite place to play. Knicks forward RJ Barrett was teammates with Williamson in college. If the Pelicans decide to put Williamson on the trade block, don’t be surprised if New York does everything in its power to acquire the lefty.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks Updates
“His unique skill set, which includes his ability to dominate in the paint, finish at the rim, and contribute on both ends of the floor, would provide an immediate and dynamic boost to the Knicks,” Bitar wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “In only three seasons of play, Williamson has made two All-Star Teams and made the All-Rookie Team. The future is tremendously bright for the 2019 No. 1 overall pick.
“Pairing Williamson with existing talents like Jalen Brunson and potentially other acquisitions would create a compelling core for the Knicks’ future success. His versatility and capability to impact games in multiple ways make him a player around whom the team can build and contend for championships in the years to come.”
Williamson signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with the Pelicans in July 2022. The two-time All-Star has career NBA averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
There have been several questions about Williamson’s diet and commitment to basketball since he’s only played 114 out of a possible 308 regular-season games since being drafted by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke. Williamson played in 24 games in his rookie year and 61 games in his sophomore year. The forward then missed his entire third year and appeared in just 29 games last season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks Updates
The good news for Williamson fans is that the star is “really focused” on making sure his body is ready for a long season, according to NBA insider Will Guillory of The Athletic.
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