When the New Orleans Pelicans landed the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, it was supposed to be franchise-altering. This wasn’t just any draft. This was the Zion Williamson class.
Williamson looked like a game-breaking superstar who could carry the Pelicans to glory for years to come. So far, it hasn’t exactly worked out that way.
Williamson’s tenure with the Pelicans has been confusing. Injuries have largely been the culprit. Williamson is among the most injury-prone star players in the NBA.
Perhaps his unique combination of size and vertical leap will make it difficult for Williamson to stay healthy. That’s a concern, but even still, it feels like there’s more at play here.
Williamson’s relationship with the Pelicans has often felt strained. He’s made passive-aggressive comments. Trade rumors have been swirling around him for years. Eventually, the Pelicans may be forced to move on from their star forward.
Could they send him to the New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Julius Randle, F Isaiah Hartenstein, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F Zion Williamson
In 2019, every lottery team hoped to land the first pick. After all, Williamson was viewed as a generational prospect. As in any draft, only one team could pick first.
It would be the Pelicans. The Memphis Grizzlies would pick second, and the Knicks landed the third selection. How has that worked out for each side?
The Grizzlies were not complaining – until last season, that is. Ja Morant has looked worthy of a top overall pick. In fact, he’s been more productive than Williamson.
Unfortunately, Morant’s off-court antics last season resulted in a suspension. As a result, he’s been serving one to begin the 2023-24 season – and the Grizzlies have suffered accordingly.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks Updates
How about the Knicks? Well, Barrett hasn’t exactly performed like a lottery pick in his career so far. With that said, he’s been having his best season to date this year. Somehow, the Knicks are struggling anyway.
Should they pair Barrett with his old college teammate?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Here’s a thought experiment. Pretend Williamson had only missed a normal number of games in his NBA career so far. The Knicks would be insane to decline this deal, and the Pelicans would be insane to offer it.
The Knicks would have to attach two or three more unprotected firsts just to get the Pelicans on the phone. So, this is a buy-low opportunity for the Knicks. After all, Williamson has looked like an MVP candidate when healthy.
His unique physical frame allows him to get to the rim at will – and finish once he’s there with outstanding efficiency. WIlliamson is a one-man offensive system. If the Knicks can help him get his body right, this deal should pay dividends.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks Updates
If they can’t? This team isn’t built to win a title anyway. The Knicks feel a little bit stuck. Here, they’re taking a large risk with a potentially massive reward.
If they can stomach that, they should give the Pelicans a call. Should the Pelicans pick up the phone?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
The Pelicans feel stuck in their own right. Does Williamson feel stuck? He recently made some comments about trying to buy into New Orleans’ system. We’re not body language experts, but Williamson didn’t seem too enthusiastic about “buying in.”
Besides – does the Pelicans’ system limit Williamson to this kind of output? His numbers are down this year. If New Orleans doesn’t intend on giving him a superstar’s usage rate, they might as well move him.
More broadly, the Pelicans could feel as if they’re tired of managing Williamson’s body – and attitude toward the team. A divorce could be in the best interest of both sides here.
If that’s how the Pelicans feel, this is a good return. They’re landing two players that could help them stay relevant here. They’re also netting three unprotected first-round picks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks Updates
The Pelicans would be adding those picks to an already impressive collection. Who knows? If they’re lucky, one of their picks could land first overall.
