5 trades for New Orleans Pelicans to move up and draft Scoot Henderson
By Jack Simone
5 trades for the New Orleans Pelicans to move up and draft Scoot Henderson: Zion Williamson to the Charlotte Hornets
Keeping with the same logic, this deal would see the Charlotte Hornets push forward with their sights set on improvement, but this deal would be far riskier.
The package the New Orleans Pelicans would get back in this deal is very similar to the previous trade, but they would get a bit more value back, as Zion Williamson is (in theory) the better player.
Gordon Hayward would still help them shore up their wing depth, but in this deal, they would also receive Nick Richards, who would act as a nice backup center, likely replacing Jaxson Hayes in the rotation. He’s also on a solid contract.
Plus, in addition to Scoot Henderson, the Pelicans would add a first-round pick to their arsenal.
Rather than trade for the sure thing in Brandon Ingram, the Hornets could choose to ask for Zion Williamson. While his injury history makes him a risk, the upside would be much higher.
The pairing of LaMelo Ball and Williamson would not only lead to great results on the court, but the highlight-reel plays would make for must-watch TV, bringing the ratings to Charlotte.
Giving up on Henderson or Scoot Henderson in exchange for Williamson is risky, but it could be worth it.
Potential starting lineups
Pelicans: Scoot Henderson, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, Jonas Valanciunas
Hornets: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, Zion Williamson, Mark Williams