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Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans seem destined to split at some point relatively soon. He has not worked there so far due to his disastrous track record with injuries. His distrust of the front office may ultimately lead to a trade demand. The Indiana Pacers should be a frontrunner to land him if that happens.
Despite his injuries, the Pelican won't let him go easily. He was an All-Star in his second season and is very important to the franchises' success. However, Williamson seems to crave a change of scenery and New Orleans could benefit from shaking things up. If Williamson is truly unhappy and does not want to be there, they could land other assets or players that are willing to make it work in the Big Easy.
The Pacers have tons of draft picks (including two first-round picks and a high second-round pick) and two highly proven vets in Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner to dangle in front of the Pelicans. A package that helps them both now and in the future could be very intriguing.
Although Williamson pledged his loyalty to New Orleans and his teammates have his back, the Pacers should heavily consider trading for him.
3 reasons Pacers must trade for Zion Williamson this offseason
He would be a perfect fit with Tyrese Haliburton
A great playmaker and shooter like Haliburton would benefit most from someone who can score in bunches. This is especially the case for a pick-and-roll partner. The Pacers would be cashing in on actions with Haliburton and Williamson very often.
Williamson benefitted tremendously by playing with Lonzo Ball, who could find him open for lobs in a split second and deliver a perfect pass. Halburotn's playmaking is similarly impressive. Williamson's unreal coordination and athleticism make him one of the best lob targets a point guard could ask for.
Haliburton wouldn't have to do all the heavy lifting, though. Williamson is perfectly capable of handling the ball and scoring on his own. He can also dish it pretty well. The Pacers could get really funky and do a reverse pick-and-pop with Haliburton screening and popping for a triple. The possibilities are endless.
Indiana doesn't have many keepers right now
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How many current Pacers players will most likely be on their next playoff team? Haliburton is a strong candidate and Chris Duarte and Isaiah Jackson probably will be, too. Jalen Smith and Goga Bitadze might be able to stick around long enough. Making a case for anyone else is an uphill battle.
Williamson, if his health allows him, should very likely be one of the guys that get the Pacers back to the playoffs. He averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in his lone healthy season. The injury concerns shouldn't blind us from how dominant he was after an injury-riddled rookie season.
37 points.
15 rebounds (career high).
8 assists (ties career high).@Zionwilliamson goes off. #WontBowDown pic.twitter.com/rT9ymuCPMF— NBA (@NBA) April 10, 2021
Indiana needs guys like Williamson who can contribute at a high level.
The Pacers have plenty of extra picks to move
Although the Pacers loaded up on draft picks at the trade deadline and could get even more by dealing away Myles Turner and Malcolm Brogdon, trading for Williamson would be a very good use for them.
There is undoubtedly a good risk in trading for Williamson. But there is also a risk in the draft. Prospects don't always pan out. Williamson has shown enough flashes of greatness to be a safer pick than most draft prospects. The odds that a young player will be as good as Williamson was in his second year right away is slim-to-none.
The injury risks associated with Williamson are severe. It could be a while before he is ready to go. Fortunately, the rebuilding Pacers have plenty of time. They can be patient with him as they rack up losses in their tank efforts and welcome him back gradually. The payoff could be a jackpot-level victory for the team's future.
