3 Superstars Pelicans should try to trade Zion Williamson for right now

Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

It’s no secret that the Toronto Raptors could end up trading Pascal Siakam before the start of the season. In fact, you can even make the argument that he could be moved before Damian Lillard. That’s the amount of smoke surrounding the Raptors and a possible Siakam trade. However, as you would expect, it’s been reported that the asking price is still high. Though, you’d have to imagine that a return of Williamson could probably get a deal done.

The question is, why should the Pelicans explore this possibility? The easy answer is that a potential trio of CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Siakam (and a strong supporting cast) would immediately be a real player in the Western Conference.

Looking at the West, the only two teams you can firmly say would be better on paper are the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns. The question the Pelicans would have to answer is whether the mystery of a healthy Williamson is better than one year of Siakam (without a guarantee that he’ll re-sign after this season).

Is Siakam so good that it would be worth punting on Williamson’s future? Even with his injury history, I’m not so sure. But at least in the short term, there’s no question it would make the Pelicans a legit contender.