With the 2025-26 season ending the way it did for the New Orleans Pelicans, with another postseason missed and a 26-56 record, a change was widely expected as the team heads into the offseason. Having young building blocks in Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears break out towards the tail end of the season felt like the final thing needed to seal the fate of the core that the previous regime built. However, Joe Dumars appears to have other plans, as during his end-of-season media availability, he was very adamant that he feels this group can win and wants to retain Zion Williamson.
Given how the season went, this was a shock to plenty of fans and likely to other front offices around the league that were planning to pry some of New Orleans' veterans away this summer.
While it appears the core of Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Dejounte Murray will be back for the 2026-27 season, but why not live in a world where that isn't a reality? When looking around the league and all the rumors that have come out since the regular season ended for the 14 teams that failed to make the playoffs, the Miami Heat is a team that keeps popping up.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Heat's focus is on acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, but if they fail to do so, their focus will shift to Kawhi Leonard. But what if they strike out on both of those big-time swings? Could Zion Williamson be the third option?
What if Zion Williamson becomes Miami’s Plan C?
For what feels like the last decade, Miami has always been an organization with a strong desire to sign or trade for big-time stars. Given they just missed the postseason, have a lottery pick, a ton of young, intriguing talent, and matchable salaries, the time is now to pursue that next star to pair with Bam Adebayo. If options one and two don't work out Zion could provide a safe, cheaper third choice.
This past season, Zion played in 62 games, the second-most of his career, and in 35 straight games at one point, the longest consecutive game streak of his career. With the Heat being known as an organization that heavily values fitness, body weight, and conditioning, the new leaf Zion turned this season would benefit him in Miami.
On top of Z looking to be in the best shape of his career, the offensive production is still very much there. This past season, he averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on by far the lowest usage of his career. Pairing Williamson in a frontcourt with Adebayo would be a match made in heaven for the former No. 1 pick, as it is the first time in his career he has played alongside a true defensive anchor and floor spacer.
For New Orleans, the Heat offer them a chance to bring in a combination of exciting young players, whether that be Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, or even their lottery pick. And while it appears the Pelicans front office has zero intention of making Zion available if Miami makes a compelling offer with all the assets they have, it may be hard to say no.
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