Shocking Trade Rumor: Zach LaVine for Zion Williamson? Pelicans Have Reached Their Limit

The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves at a critical crossroads. With their once-promising core of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson failing to deliver, management is reportedly considering drastic changes. The team, marred by injuries and poor performance, currently holds the NBA’s worst record at 5-28, even worse than the struggling Washington Wizards. In a season that began with high hopes, the Pelicans are now contemplating a rebuild that could involve trading both Ingram and Zion.

Brandon Ingram’s Trade Situation

Brandon Ingram, who is in the final year of his contract, has been a solid contributor this season. In 18 games, Ingram has averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 33.1 minutes per game, with shooting splits of 46.5% from the field, 37.4% from beyond the arc, and 85.5% from the free-throw line. While these numbers are respectable, they haven’t translated into wins for the Pelicans, and his fit within the team’s long-term plans remains questionable.

Reports suggest that the Pelicans are actively exploring trade options for Ingram, but the market hasn’t been as active as expected. Some analysts believe his value is hindered by his injury history and the perception that he’s not a franchise player capable of leading a team deep into the playoffs.

Zion Williamson: The Bigger Dilemma

The situation with Zion Williamson is even more complicated. The former No. 1 overall pick has played just six games this season, averaging 22.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 31 minutes per game. While Zion’s talent is undeniable—he’s an interior scoring force, averaging 15 points per game in the paint—his availability has been a persistent issue.

Zion’s career has been plagued by injuries, and his career attendance rate is alarmingly below 50%. For all his potential, his inability to stay on the court has forced the Pelicans to reconsider his future with the team. A league executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the Chicago Bulls might be interested in a straight swap of Zach LaVine for Zion. While this trade would be a gamble for both sides, it underscores how far Zion’s stock has fallen since he entered the league as one of the most hyped prospects in years.

Hoops Media’s Suggestion: Zion to the Spurs

Amid trade rumors, some media outlets, like Hoops, have floated the idea of Zion joining the San Antonio Spurs. They even created a hypothetical lineup featuring Zion alongside Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul, labeling it an “unstoppable combo.” The vision of a Zion-Wembanyama pairing is intriguing. Their contrasting styles—Zion’s dominance in the paint and Wembanyama’s perimeter versatility—would make for a dynamic and complementary frontcourt.

However, according to ESPN insiders, Zion’s agent has no plans to push for a trade before the deadline. This suggests that Zion himself prefers to remain in New Orleans, though the Pelicans may have other ideas.

Why the Pelicans Are Running Out of Patience

The Pelicans’ willingness to part ways with Zion isn’t just about his injuries; it’s also a reflection of the team’s broader struggles. After a catastrophic start to the season, fans and management alike are losing hope. New Orleans is now eyeing the 2025 draft, with the tantalizing prospect of landing a player like Cooper Flagg, a potential franchise-altering talent.

Rebuilding often means making tough decisions, and the Pelicans appear ready to move on from their current stars to focus on the future. Zion’s injury woes, combined with the team’s abysmal record, have made it clear that patience is running thin. As one fan aptly put it, “Even the most loyal Pelicans supporters are starting to feel like ‘舔狗’—always hopeful, but ultimately let down.”

Zach LaVine: A Possible New Start for Both Sides

Zach LaVine, the two-time All-Star currently with the Chicago Bulls, has also been the subject of trade rumors. The idea of a Zion-LaVine swap has its merits. For the Bulls, taking a chance on Zion could provide the franchise with a high-upside player who, if healthy, could elevate the team’s ceiling. For the Pelicans, LaVine would bring a proven scorer with a cleaner bill of health, albeit with his own defensive limitations.

A Commentary on the Situation

The potential trade of Zion Williamson is emblematic of the harsh realities of the NBA. Teams are driven by results, and while talent is crucial, availability is even more valuable. Zion’s injuries have made it difficult for the Pelicans to build around him, and his once sky-high potential now feels like a gamble.

For New Orleans, moving on from Zion and Ingram could be a painful but necessary step. The NBA is a business, and teams can only wait so long for a star to realize their potential. If Zion and Ingram are indeed traded, it will mark the end of an era that never truly began.

The idea of Zion in a Spurs uniform alongside Wembanyama is tantalizing, but it also serves as a reminder of what could have been for the Pelicans. As the team braces for a rebuild, fans can only hope that brighter days lie ahead—and that whoever comes next can lead the franchise out of its current darkness.