New Orleans Pelicans: The Zion for Giannis Trade Could Happen

New Orleans Pelicans: Trading Zion Williamson for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Why the Pelicans Would Do it

This would be a risky move unless they could get some assurance that Giannis would re-sign. Otherwise the Pelicans probably wouldn’t do it because they’d be giving up three guaranteed years of Zion for only one guaranteed year of Giannis.

But if they could get Giannis to agree to an extension? They’d have to think about it. A “Big Three” of Giannis, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball is a championship calibre core.

A starting lineup of Lonzo, Josh Hart, Ingram, Giannis and Lopez would instantly make the Pelicans contenders, and if the goal is to win titles, this is one way to do it.

While going for Giannis in a contract year is risky, so is banking on the development of Zion Williamson.

Zion looked otherworldly at times, like the league’s next superstar, a guy who could eventually win a few MVP’s himself.

But he also limped around a lot, couldn’t stay on the floor, was out of shape and looked like a guy who could have consistent health issues.

Giannis has played at least 72 games in every full season of his career, so he represents a much smaller injury risk and is still just 25-years-old.

The Pelicans would be pushing their chips in, trading one risk for another. But if they could extend Giannis, they’d be almost guaranteeing a Finals appearance at some point. Giannis is a proven force, an All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year, MVP and you can’t guarantee any of those things will happen for Zion.

Trading away the most exciting young player in the league would be risky, but if the goal is to win titles, the Pelicans would have to consider it.