Pelicans Ready to Trade Zion Williamson? Warriors’ 3-for-1 Deal in the Spotlight

The New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly opened the door to trade talks involving Zion Williamson for the first time. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Pelicans will only consider offers that are "sufficiently shocking" for the 23-year-old All-Star. Of course, if a team were to offer a second-round pick, that could also be "shocking" in a different sense.

Salary cap expert Bobby Marks recently added fuel to the speculation, suggesting the Golden State Warriors might emerge as a potential suitor. With their current roster lacking a dominant scoring presence in the frontcourt, a healthy Williamson could fill that void seamlessly. This season, Williamson has averaged 22.7 points, 8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game—numbers that would surely flourish with Stephen Curry drawing defensive attention.

However, health remains a significant concern. Williamson has played only six games this season due to a lingering hamstring injury, and his return to action is still uncertain. Any trade for Williamson would require a steep price, with rumors swirling about a potential package from the Warriors: Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, and Kevon Looney for Zion Williamson.

A High-Risk, High-Reward Scenario

The Warriors’ reported interest in Williamson highlights the unique risk-reward calculus involved. On one hand, Williamson’s talent is undeniable—his combination of size, skill, and athleticism is unmatched when he’s healthy. On the other hand, his availability has been a persistent issue. Last season, Williamson appeared in just 29 games, and his three-year, $1.3 billion contract extension is partially non-guaranteed due to his inability to meet minimum game thresholds.

This unusual contract clause opens the door to a more audacious possibility: the Pelicans could waive Williamson outright next summer if his health doesn’t improve, allowing him to hit free agency. While such a scenario seems unlikely, it would create an opportunity for teams like the Warriors to sign him without giving up assets.

For now, the Pelicans are merely testing the market, gauging interest in Williamson while maintaining their leverage. Letting him walk for nothing would be counterproductive, especially given their struggles this season.

A Disappointing Season

Coming into the 2023-24 season, the Pelicans had high hopes. With a roster featuring Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and newcomers like Dejounte Murray, New Orleans envisioned a deep playoff run. However, injuries have derailed their plans, leaving them at a dismal 5-22 record, the worst in the Western Conference.

Injuries aside, Murray’s underwhelming performance has compounded the Pelicans’ struggles. Acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in the offseason, Murray has failed to live up to expectations. His current averages—16.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.1 steals, and 4.2 turnovers per game—pale in comparison to last season’s 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists on significantly better shooting splits (45.9% FG, 36.3% 3P).

This disappointing campaign has tested the patience of the Pelicans’ front office, prompting them to consider a potential rebuild centered around their younger talent.

Who’s Off-Limits?

While Williamson’s name is now on the trade block, the Pelicans reportedly have three untouchable players: Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III, and rookie Jordan Miller. All three are seen as foundational pieces for the team’s future.

Williamson, despite being only 23 years old, no longer seems to fit into that vision. His talent is unquestionable, but his inability to stay on the court has raised doubts about his long-term value to the franchise.

Building for the Future

The Pelicans’ poor record puts them in contention for the 2025 NBA Draft’s top pick, which is expected to be USC’s Isaiah Flagg. Landing another generational talent could accelerate their rebuild, making a trade for Williamson—or even Murray—more palatable.

Meanwhile, fans and analysts are divided on the Pelicans’ approach. Some believe it’s time to move on from Williamson, while others argue that trading him now would be a mistake given his potential.

For the Warriors, acquiring Williamson represents a calculated gamble. If he can stay healthy, he could become the perfect frontcourt partner for Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. But the price—potentially sacrificing key pieces like Wiggins, Looney, and Podziemski—makes it a risky proposition.

What’s Next?

As the Pelicans listen to offers, speculation will only grow about Williamson’s future. Whether he’s traded to a contender like the Warriors or remains in New Orleans, one thing is clear: the clock is ticking for the once-promising partnership between Zion Williamson and the Pelicans.