It’s crazy how much injuries can hamper a promising talent’s career. When Zion Williamson became the highest-paid rookie after signing with the Pelicans in the 2019 draft, he was the next Michael Jordan in the making. With his bursts of energy, and pure skill at the rim offensively- he’s one of the very few unguardable beasts on the floor. But his recent injury and weight concerns have him pipped to be the next big name on the move. The question is- is it smart for the Pelicans to trade their best player?
Zanos has put up big numbers for New Orleans this season. He’s averaging box numbers of 24.6/7.2/5.3 and makes them look like championship contenders at times. But he’s probably one of the worst value-for-money players in the league. Take the current season for instance. He’s earning a guaranteed $36,725,670 but has only played 30 games. That’s more than a million a game. He is good but, he’s no Steph Curry.
Unless Zion becomes a regular on the team sheet, the Pelicans could look to be ironing out their wage bill for more consistent players. But ESPN’s Shams Charania has warned the Crescent City of making decisions staring down the barrel of a shotgun, reminding them of what they could be losing.
“If the Pelicans said today- our goal and our mission is to trade Zion Williamson. They can get a pretty, pretty darn solid package. But the goal for the Pelicans- as it’s always been is like, ‘how do we win?’ The last thing you want to do is trade Zion Williamson to wherever. LA or New York or this team, Miami, wherever, and [if] he just skyrockets because he’s able to find health, he’s able to find that maturity, find that growth in his career- they want that to come in New Orleans.”
Apr 3, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks on against the Orlando Magic during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
But their concerns do hold an ounce of water. If history repeats itself, he’s just sitting on the sidelines minting money for the foreseeable future. The Pelicans don’t want that, and to be honest- neither does Zion. So what Shams suggests is this- play out the season and finish it with your heads held high. Sit down in the off-season and have a talk about the future. There will be hard-to-ask questions, but to reach new heights, tough questions will need to be asked and answered.
Regardless- teams will be looking to snap him up without batting an eyelid. And according to Sports Illustrated rumors, the Lakers would benefit from trading Williamson for Austin Reaves and one other player.
What would a Zion Willamson move to the Lakers look like?
This kind of trade just screams of Luka Dončić’s past. The Lakers would come out better yet again, reminiscing another Rob Pelinka masterclass. Apparently, LA stands a chance to bring Zion Williamson to the Showtime center stage. And for this, they will have to trade a couple of future picks and the duo of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
This could mean that we’d see the burst and energy of both LeBron James and Zanos on the same court. That coupled with the Luka magic could easily bring the Lakers their 18th Larry O’Brien Champions. For this, Reaves and Hachimura, along with a 2026 1st round pick-swap and a 2031 1st round pick will go New Orleans’ way. But is this really the right move?
The month of March has been a wake-up call for the Lakers. They’ve struggled with squad depth and injuries in the face of a daunting schedule. In these moments, Austin Reaves has come in clutch like never before. And while Rui Hachimura has had his injury woes, his services have benefitted them more times than not. Even if it isn’t smart, it might break the hearts of the Lakers faithful to see two young and promising talents head out undeservedly.
This WILD trade proposal from Sports Illustrated has Zion Williamson teaming up with LeBron and Luka in LA
Who says no? pic.twitter.com/XO6vfTjECs
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) April 2, 2025
Nevertheless, Shams is right. There’s no upside to trading Zion Williamson without having a talk about it. But if the Lakers do end up employing his services, do you think trading Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura is the correct decision?
The post ESPN Insider Warns Pelicans About Zion Williamson Trade as Latest Lakers Rumor Emerges Involving Austin Reaves appeared first on EssentiallySports.