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Even as the NBA trade deadline has come and gone, Zion Williamson exit rumors have been in full swing these past few weeks. Whispers point to the New York Knicks as his possible next destination. But his former New Orleans Pelicans coach in Stan Van Gundy doesn't think it's as likely as some outsiders do.
Stan Van Gundy was vocal on why a Zion Williamson-to-New York move isn't as straightforward as some may believe.
Via Ethan Sears of the New York Post:
“The Knicks have this thing and it’s amazing. No matter how many times people have proven they don’t want to play for the Knicks, the Knicks have this idea that everybody in the league wants to play for the Knicks. Now what is the last time it actually happened that somebody came and tried to get their way to New York? Like, never in the last 20 years?
“But still the Knicks and Knicks fans think everybody is trying to get to the Knicks. I’m not saying [Zion] won’t end up there — there’s all kinds of ways people can end up somewhere — but this idea that everybody wants to be a New York Knick, I mean if that were the case, then they wouldn’t be as bad as they’ve been for the last 20 years.”
While there's definitely truth to Stan Van Gundy's comments, the big difference here is that Zion Williamson has been on record talking up his love for New York. They're also led by his college running mate and one of his best friends in RJ Barrett and they've already traded for their third Duke co-star in Cam Reddish.
Zion Williamson when asked about playing in MSG & NY;
"I think outside of New Orleans, it's my favorite place to play basketball" 👀 pic.twitter.com/4iLc8Mt8gZ
— TheBenchWarmer🏀 (@BenchWarmerPost) April 18, 2021
Yes, some free agency pursuits in the past were more pipe dreams than reality for the Knicks. But if Zion Williamson had his choice and was vocal about wanting out, it's not unfathomable for him to pick New York.
