Being picked first in the NBA draft is a major accomplishment. Every year, sixty prospects are selected to join the big leagues. If your name is called first, you’ve already made history.
You also come into the league with expectations. The number one pick is supposed to be a transformative star. Ideally, you’re landing a player who can carry you to the promised land. Sometimes, it doesn’t work out that way.
Look at Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. Injuries have held his potential back. Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons has struggled to carry his team to wins as well. Could the two be swapped for each other this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: F Zion Williamson, 2026 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, G/F Cade Cunningham
Ideally, your number one pick is a star. It doesn’t always go that way. If you’re looking at Cunningham and Williamson as examples, we’d suggest that you should look a bit deeper.
Remember Anthony Bennett? How about Joe Smith? Sometimes, a number one pick can’t help falling short of expectations. Their bodies fail them. Remember Greg Oden?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
For a long time, the Pelicans have been hoping Williamson wouldn’t suffer that fate. This year, he’s been healthy – but he hasn’t been as productive as expected. Should the Pistons covet him?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons have, by the numbers, played better without Cunningham this year. that doesn’t mean that they’re better off without him. Numbers can get noisy. Still, it’s something to think about.
After all, Jaden Ivey looks like a lead guard in his own right. The Pistons may have a redundancy there. Instead of a floor general like Cunningham, they may be better served with a forward who can get to the rim at will.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
That’s Williamson. He doesn’t do much to solve their spacing issues, but if the Pistons can figure out the right dynamic around Williamson and Ivey, they could have a much brighter future. Should the Pelicans help them brighten their future?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
What’s held Cunningham back? So far, he’s too turnover-prone. His shooting is also inefficient. Are these flaws that Cunningham has, or are they exaggerated by the Pistons’ poor roster?
If so, the Pelicans could help him fix his issues. They’ll be built to put proper spacing around him. The Pelicans would also have a ready-made co-star for Cunningham in Brandon Ingram.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Meanwhile, unlike the Pistons, this team needs a point guard. Cunningham has flashed potential as an elite floor general. After all, that’s what got him picked first overall.
