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There has been plenty of speculation that Zion Williamson does not want to be in New Orleans. The Pelicans used their first pick in the 2019 NBA Draft to get the Duke product, who was perceived to be the next NBA superstar. Yet, three years after that, the situation is not ideal given his injury problems and all the mystery surrounding his status.
Williamson has come under fire for being a “detached teammate,” in the words of JJ Redick, with his initial decision not to reach out to new teammate CJ McCollum sparking criticism. While Zion has since contacted McCollum and is doing damage control, there will continue to be questions about his future.
If the youngster is actually made available for trade, the Dallas Mavericks should look into getting him to pair with Luka Doncic. Here are two reasons why the Mavs must trade for Zion Williamson this offseason.
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Mavs Zion Williamson Trade Breakdown
Making sure that Luka Doncic remains a Mavericks player
The Mavs already have their franchise player in Luka Doncic. The Slovenian guard is playing some incredible basketball and while he is there, playing on this level, the Mavs will remain relevant. He also just signed a massive five-year extension this past offseason.
Yet, the NBA can get very crazy at times. Ben Simmons signed an extension with the 76ers in 2019 and then pushed his way off the team just a few years later. Of course, it was under different circumstances, but it was still a superstar with a lot of time left on his deal wanting out.
Doncic seems like a player who will remain in Dallas. However, the success of other players around the league could change his opinion if the Mavs do not start making deep playoff runs. Luka Doncic is a generational talent and a player who can be an MVP in this league.
Yet, his NBA resume might be strained forever, should he remain without a title. When it comes to this level, the elite level of NBA basketball, the resumes of players start being more relevant than the amount of money they have or what individual accolades they have. Thus, it is critical for Dallas to go for any player who will make Doncic happy.
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The Mavs just traded away Kristaps Porzingis because they did not believe in his ability to be a great No. 2 option for Doncic. Zion could be that guy, though he has the injury question marks just like Porzingis. Still, Williamson is a much better player than Porzingis when healthy.
Zion is a generational talent who just lacks some stability and guidance in addition to his health issues. With the Mavs, Williamson might get exactly what his career needs. He could get a great costar in Doncic, a supportive front office with an engaged owner, and a team that could build into a championship contender. Obviously, there are better situations right now, but there is no other team in the league that has potential like the Mavs have in Luka Doncic. In getting Zion, they would keep Doncic happy and keep him with the Mavs for the future, without any concerns for trade demands and similar shenanigans.
They need offensive help
There are, in essence, two problems with the Mavs' offense. Firstly, it is built on Luka Doncic doing everything. He is their leader in points, assists, rebounds, and minutes. Of course, that is nothing strange, but it cannot be sustainable and it will be targeted in the postseason by the Mavs' opponents. Secondly, all his support is based on role players getting hot, and they are often inconsistent.
If the Mavs get a chance to go for Zion Williamson, however, that is a guy who can get them 20-plus easy points on a nightly basis. He is a big body in the paint, yet also incredibly athletic and he can throw his weight around to get to the basket without any problems. Just imagining the pick-and-roll potential of the Doncic-Williamson duo will bring water to the mouths of any NBA enthusiast. Doncic can get points on his own and can facilitate for his teammates, of course, but playing with Williamson would bring the Mavs' offense to another level.
To be completely honest, they do need their offense to get to another level. Right now, what is keeping them above water in the Western Conference is the fifth-ranked defense. Dallas must get Doncic more help on the offensive end to become a more sustainable threat in the postseason.
Getting Zion Williamson, should he be available, should be something Dallas explores. While there are questions about his health, it makes sense to take a big swing at a talent like Zion in order to create one of the best duos in the NBA. A healthy Doncic and Williamson would be unstoppable.
