The New Orleans Pelicans are exploring Zion Williamson trade options after a disappointing season, and the Detroit Pistons are the obvious partner. New Orleans fired David Griffin and replaced him with Joe Dumars. The Pels’ new decision-maker shot down rumors of a trade mandate (subscription required) on the two-time All-Star but never said he would stay. It is time for the two sides to split.
The Pelicans won just 21 games, tied for the second-lowest mark in franchise history. It was a nightmare season, and all their key players missed significant stretches. New Orleans traded Brandon Ingram before the deadline, and nobody knows what to expect from Dejounte Murray, coming off a torn Achilles. Their roster needs a reset, and trading Zion would net a significant haul to jumpstart things.
There should be a robust market for a 24-year-old two-time All-Star, but his injury concerns will dampen things. Zion has appeared in his 214 games in six years and 30 or fewer in a season four times. He is elite when he plays, and the Pistons are the obvious team to acquire him for several reasons.
Pistons need Zion Williamson to become serious contender
Detroit’s president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon was the Pels GM under David Griffin from 2019 to 2024. Just a few months after landing the job, New Orleans drafted Zion number one overall. Langdon spent five seasons working with the 6’6 forward in the Big Easy.
Joe Dumars is a Pistons legend. He played his entire NBA career in Detroit and helped the franchise win two championships. After retiring, Dumars spent 14 years as their lead executive and brought the Pistons a third title in 2004. The front office connections are strong, but far from the only reasons Zion will end up in the Motor City.
Langdon knows Zion’s history, and the Pistons are fresh off a surprise playoff appearance. They made a 30-win improvement, but need more talent around Cade Cunningham to take the next step. Williamson is a unique one capable of scoring 25 every night and filling the Pistons' need for a secondary offensive force.
Detroit has draft capital and the cap space to take back more money than they send out in a trade. Zion makes $39.4 million next season and doesn’t hit free agency until 2028. He would be locked in for three years around Cade, and they could quickly form one of the most dynamic duos in the league. The Pistons would have their second star for multiple years and could build a package that entices Joe Dumars to make the deal.
The New Orleans Pelicans face a crucial offseason. Their new front office must reshape their roster and chart the course toward being an annual contender. That won’t be easy with Zion Williamson as the franchise’s best player. It is why Dumars ultimately deals him to his former team this summer and allows the Pels to reset. The trade is not ideal, but is the franchise’s best path forward whether fans like it or not.