The New Orleans Pelicans have a golden opportunity in front of them. As they prepare for a potential franchise-altering offseason, New Orleans could choose to make a huge organizational shift if it wants. With a new leader in the front office, change is already in the air for the Pelicans. They could continue to lean into that philosophy if they're willing to make a crucial decision regarding the future of Zion Williamson.
With a projected top-four pick in what is being categorized as a very deep 2025 NBA Draft class, the opportunity is present for the Pelicans to jump-start a new build for the franchise. Trading Zion would be considered one of the first natural steps if they elected to go down that route.
Considering there have already been plenty of whispers and smoke surrounding the potential of a Zion trade, this is not a scenario that would come off as a huge surprise. However, the idea of trading Zion and actually trading him are two very different things. Across the league, the concept of trading for Zion sounds a lot better than parting ways with the assets that it will likely take to complete this deal.
Even though Zion has been plagued by injuries for the majority of his career, it would be foolish to think that the Pelicans are just going to give him away on the trade market. That's not happening, and if the Pelicans did go down the route of trading Zion, the asking price would be fairly high, as it should be.
The Pelicans' draft plan should not revolve around Zion Williamson
Nevertheless, if the Pelicans want to move forward and truly turn the page on a new era for the franchise, trading Zion must be part of the team's offseason plan. One that would begin with drafting players that the team could build alongside Herb Jones and Trey Murphy, and not necessarily focusing on fits next to Zion.
At this point, the juice is simply not worth the squeeze if you're the Pelicans. Even when Zion has been completely healthy or in the best shape of his life, the Pelicans haven't been able to accomplish much as a team. That's part of the reason why they elected to trade Brandon Ingram at the NBA Trade Deadline and not re-sign him.
If the Pelicans are playing the long game and are hoping to build a sustained winner in the Western Conference, the unfortunate reality is that they must trade Zion. He's a very good player and has the potential to be a great one down the line; I just have a hard time believing that's going to happen in New Orleans.
It's time for the Pelicans to turn the page on the Zion era, and there may not be a better opportunity for that to happen than this offseason, especially with a projected top 4 pick in a strong NBA Draft. As difficult as it may be, the Pelicans' draft plan can't revolve around Zion. It's time for New Orleans to move on.