NBA Expands to the East: Zion Williamson Has the Last Laugh

Big news, basketball fans: the NBA is set to expand, with new teams likely to be added in Seattle and Las Vegas. Seattle, once home to the Supersonics (Kevin Durant’s first NBA team), lost their team when it moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 and became the Thunder. Las Vegas has never had an NBA team, but the allure of being based in the world-famous gambling city has attracted numerous wealthy investors. Even LeBron James has expressed interest in owning the team, which is currently valued at an astonishing $7 billion, making it potentially the most expensive transaction in sports history.

With the NBA expanding from 30 to 32 teams, there’s a new issue to address: since both Seattle and Las Vegas are in the West, one existing Western Conference team will need to move to the Eastern Conference. Geographically, the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and Minnesota Timberwolves are the most logical candidates for such a move. All three teams are playoff contenders in the West, and a move to the East could make them even more competitive, potentially vying for top-six spots.

The Timberwolves, for instance, were a Western Conference Finals team this past season, proving their strength. If they were placed in the East, it would certainly disrupt the dominance of teams like the Celtics. Some might argue that the Grizzlies, who finished near the bottom of the Western Conference last season, wouldn’t pose much of a threat in the East. However, a healthy Grizzlies lineup featuring Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. could be a formidable opponent. Ja Morant has even boldly claimed they’re aiming for a championship in the 2024-25 season, suggesting they have the confidence to back up their ambitions.

On the other hand, if we appeal to those with a “saintly” mindset, they might argue that the Pelicans deserve a break and should move to the East. The reasoning is simple: Zion Williamson, often referred to as “Zion,” has been in the NBA for five years but has yet to make a playoff appearance. This is quite the contrast to his draft class peers like Ja Morant, RJ Barrett, and Rui Hachimura, who have all enjoyed playoff runs.

Last season, Zion came heartbreakingly close to leading his team to the playoffs as the core player. Despite dropping 40 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a crucial play-in game against the Lakers, he suffered a left hamstring injury that caused him to miss the subsequent series against the Thunder. This injury dashed his playoff hopes yet again.

Despite a successful offseason acquisition of Dejounte Murray, the Pelicans' internal issues, particularly with Brandon Ingram, and the ever-intensifying competition in the Western Conference, continue to cast doubt on their playoff prospects. However, if the Pelicans were to move to the Eastern Conference as part of the NBA’s expansion, they would face significantly less competition for a playoff spot and could set their sights on even higher goals. Zion’s ambition surely goes beyond merely making the playoffs—he wants to compete for a championship.

Historically, the NBA has seen a stronger Western Conference compared to the East, which makes the path to the NBA Finals easier in the East. Last offseason, the Pelicans considered trading an injured and out-of-shape Zion to the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets, unimpressed, turned down the deal, a decision they might regret given Zion’s remarkable transformation this past season. Zion not only returned in great shape but also played 70 games, showcasing his resilience and proving his doubters wrong.

If the Pelicans were to move to the Eastern Conference, they could finally leverage Zion’s talents in a less competitive environment. This shift could be the catalyst that propels them into serious playoff contention. Zion, no longer hindered by the intense competition of the West, could dominate the Eastern Conference, much to the delight of Pelicans fans.

The potential move of an established Western Conference team to the East will inevitably shift the balance of power within the NBA. For teams like the Celtics, who have often had a smoother path through the playoffs, the arrival of a team like the Timberwolves or Grizzlies would present new challenges. Conversely, for teams like the Pelicans, this move could provide the much-needed opportunity to break their playoff drought and showcase their talents on a larger stage.

As the NBA finalizes its expansion plans, the anticipation builds. Seattle and Las Vegas will soon welcome new teams, and fans will eagerly watch to see how the league’s landscape shifts. Whether it’s the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, or Pelicans moving to the Eastern Conference, the implications are significant. For Zion Williamson, in particular, this move could be the turning point of his career, offering a fresh start and a clearer path to playoff success.

The NBA’s decision to expand not only brings excitement to Seattle and Las Vegas but also offers a fresh narrative for the league. Teams will need to adapt to new rivals, and fans will enjoy a renewed sense of competition. For Zion and the Pelicans, the move to the East represents hope and opportunity—an end to years of playoff frustration and the beginning of a new chapter filled with potential triumphs. As the league grows, so too does the potential for unforgettable moments and legendary performances.