Pelicans Rumors: 3 reasons to build around Zion and not trade him

The New Orleans Pelicans acquired the draft rights to Zion Williamson Tuesday night after winning the lottery. For the second time this decade, they have a generational talent to potentially build around. Here are 3 reasons why they should build around him, not entertain the idea of a trade.

Alright, before you scroll down to the comments with bad intent, hear us out. There’s an alternate universe (the one we do not like) where David Griffin and company convince Anthony Davis to stay by trading away their first overall pick for established players. The New Orleans Pelicans would likely get a large haul for a prospect like Zion, and enter a frantic win-now mode and team Anthony Davis with another superstar.

Again, we do not like this universe, and strongly wish it never comes to fruition. David Griffin has remained adamant he can reconcile with Anthony Davis and convince him to stay. But what exactly would it take for him to stay? Well, the Pelicans would need to team him up with another superstar. But without the cap space to do so this offseason, could they package Zion with a contract like Solomon Hill’s to acquire a star to play alongside Davis and Jrue Holiday?

Potentially, yes. That’s a possibility. It’s out there. But what if things go south? The whole DeMarcus Cousins situation could be used as a prime example as to why the Pelicans should not hastily try a shot at glory again and do a full-fledged rebuild. What’s to say this win- now mode works? What’s to say Anthony Davis can stay healthy if he were to play next season?

It could all be for naught, hence why we don’t like this alternate universe. Let’s look at 3 reasons why the New Orleans Pelicans should not even entertain the idea.