5 Zion Williamson trade packages that the Pelicans cannot refuse
By Tyler Watts
3. Jazz go all-in on Zion
Utah also has more draft capital than they can select over the next seven years. Trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert overstuffed their coffers, and the Jazz must move some of their picks for a star.
They are waiting for a superstar point guard or wing to hit the market, but what if those players are not available? Zion Williams can be had right now, and his arrival keeps the pressure off the Jazz. The 6’6 big man is a unique player, but one that could be a game-changer in Salt Lake City.
This trade does not bring a star back to New Orleans or give them significant upgrades for next season, but this could make the Pelicans better long-term. Taylor Hendricks was just the ninth overall pick in the draft, and New Orleans gets three firsts to try to build out their roster.
Will Danny Ainge and the Jazz go all-in for Zion? How much do they trust his diet and workout routine to change? If Williamson is unwilling to do those things, New Orleans should move now for a massive package.
This move also gives the Pelicans the draft capital to go big fish hunting at the trade deadline. Can they land a star and become title contenders? This is a bold move, but the New Orleans Pelicans should make it happen if they can get virtually four first-round draft picks in the trade and a couple of swaps.