Grade the mock trade: Knicks swoop in to steal Zion Williamson from Pelicans

Would the New Orleans Pelicans make this trade?

If the Pelicans want out of the Zion business, they should strongly consider this offer. Julius Randle is a two-time All-Star and only 28 years old. He does not have the box office power of Williamson, but he is an elite scorer that has played over 70 games in six of the last seven years. Randle alone might make the 2023-24 Pelicans better than Zion.

The Pelicans also pick up a skilled guard in Immanuel Quickley and three first-round picks. New Orleans could use the draft choices to trade for more talent immediately or keep them in hopes of drafting it. Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, CJ McCollum, and the Pelicans supporting cast is a strong group that could win a lot of regular season games.

Losing Zion Williamson would hurt, but the Knicks give up a massive haul that could make the New Orleans Pelicans better in the short and long term. Watching Zion blossom in the Big Apple would be difficult, but the Pelicans being an annual contender would certainly soften the blow.

Grade: A

Will the Pels trade Zion Williamson before free agency opens on June 30? It appears to be under consideration. They have to field offers from all 30 teams, and New Orleans should accept the best one, especially if they do not believe Zion can stay healthy for a full season. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.

10 Players the New Orleans Pelicans gave up on way too soon

The New Orleans Pelicans have struggled in their first two decades because they struggle to retain talent. Here are ten players they gave up on too soon.