The New Orleans Pelicans' are waiting patiently to get Zion Williamson back on the court. Their hopes of becoming a good team with Williamson as their leader are becoming grimmer and grimmer. They may have to be brutally honest and realize that it might not work out.
Although the Pelicans are in no position where they have to trade Williamson, it might be something they have to consider. His injury issues are serious and it'll be hard to build a good team with him missing so much time. Cashing in the hype he still has may be worthwhile. Especially considering their time to contend is now and Williamson might not be the right guy for them, they should consider it.
New Orleans is still behind Williamson right now, but a change might be best for both sides. If the Pelicans do look to move on from Williamson, what would a trade look like?
3 best trade packages Pelicans must demand for Zion Williamson
Pelicans get: Derrick Favors, three-to-five first-round picks
Thunder get: Zion Williamson
If the Pelicans want draft compensation in exchange for Williamson, they should look in the Thunder's direction first, second and last. No other team can match their insane pile of draft capital.
The amount of picks the Pelicans would get is based on whose picks they're getting and what years they come in. The Thunder can offer their own picks, which would likely be the most valuable, or use those from teams like the Phoenix Suns or LA Clippers who should be championship contenders in the near future. Flipping those picks could net New Orleans a different star, either via the draft or a trade.
In order to use Favors in a trade, he would have to opt into his player option for next season. For Oklahoma City, trading their picks for a swing on a young star is the best course of action. They can't use every pick they have to draft players. Eventually, they'll have to make a trade for someone. Williamson could be a very strong frontcourt addition that pairs nicely with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.
Pelicans get: Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner, 2o22 first-round pick via Cleveland, 2023 protected first-round pick via Indiana
Pacers get: Zion Williamson, Devonte' Graham, Larry Nance Jr., 2o22 second-round pick via Cleveland
The acquisition of McCollum showed that the Pelicans are looking to get good now. Adding the two key veterans that the Pacers couldn't move ahead of the trade deadline could make a strong starting unit in the Big Easy.
Brogdon and Turner would be a strong addition to a lineup with McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas. Brogdon's playmaking and scoring would help greatly and Turner's defense would help even more. Although he and Valanciunas seem like. wonky tandem, Turner is used to playing alongside a burly big man (Domantas Sabonis).
Williamson, Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Duarte could be a strong trio to base the future around in Indiana. The Pacers have plenty of picks moving forward and would benefit even more by fostering young talent.
Pelicans get: John Collins, 2022 protected first-round pick via Charlotte, 2023 first-round pick via Atlanta, 2025 second-round pick via Brooklyn
Hawks get: Zion Williamson, Devonte' Graham
This move is the best of both worlds for the Pelicans: staying young while getting someone who can step in right away. In this trade, the teams swap star-level power forwards with unreal athleticism and fantastic skill.
The Hawks have been looking to trade Collins for a while. In this move, they get Williamson, Graham could be a very strong scorer off the bench or someone the Hawks reroute to another team for a different role player. Young has connected with Collins on some thunderous lobs. Imagine what he could do with Williamson, who can also initiate the offense.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, add a budding star that is only 24 years old to their lineup. Collins is a very good lob threat and shooter. They also land several picks, though the Hornets' pick may not convey until next year. Still, those picks could be very valuable.
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