The path to NBA stardom is not linear. We can’t always anticipate who is going to reach what heights. Players surpass expectations, and they fall short of them as well.
Take Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors. He was the seventh overall pick in the draft. Curry was supposed to be good, but nobody expected him to change his basketball game.
On the other hand, Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans was supposed to be a revolution. At times, he’s looked like one. Still, he hasn’t given the Pelicans as much production as they’d hoped for. Could they send him to the Warriors this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, C Kevon Looney, F Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Zion Williamson
That lack of linearity makes it difficult for teams to give up on young players. They don’t know if they’ll break out. At the same time, sometimes, you have to cut ties.
Recently, we’ve seen teams do that more often. The Detroit Pistons waived Killian Hayes. The Charlotte Hornets waived James Bouknight, and the Oklahoma City Thunder just waived Aleksej Pokusevski. Some have suggested that this is evidence that the league needs expansion.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors Updates
Let’s table that. Williamson is not Hayes, Bouknight, or Pokusevski. If the Pelicans moved him, they’d be making a monumental decision. Would it be the right move?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Williamson’s career has been frustrating. Injuries have plagued him. This year, he’s finally healthy – yet, somehow, his production has dipped significantly.
There are also concerns about his fit alongside Brandon Ingram. They’re both forwards who’d prefer to operate on parts of the floor beside the three-point range. The Pelicans may prefer to hang onto the more reliable Ingram.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors Updates
If so, this deal should suit them. Kuminga isn’t a knockdown shooter, but he is a potentially elite defender. That makes his fit alongside Ingram stronger. Should the Warriors part with their young forward?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
If Williamson’s hesitancy to shoot threes is a problem in New Orleans, it won’t be in Golden State. Curry is the best shooter of all time. How will teams guard Williamson alongside him?
Sure, giving up on Kuminga is unfortunate. He’s taking a star turn in 2023-24. Still, there’d have to be some temptation here. With Williamson attacking the rim and Curry spacing the floor, the Warriors could put opponents in an unsolvable dilemma.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors Updates
Meanwhile, they may also be happy to get off of Wiggins’ contract. He’s had a disappointing season. This deal should make the Warriors a better team and improve their financial situation. It might clear Williamson’s path to stardom in the process.
