Zion Williamson to the Charlotte Hornets
When it comes to a potential trade of Zion Williamson, the Charlotte Hornets are the true wildcard. If the Hornets are even mildly interested in the possibility of Zion Williamson, that’s the one deal that the New Orleans Pelicans should invest heavily in. When you make a trade in the NBA Draft, you have to have assurance you’re going to get your target. Hoping that Scoot Henderson falls to No. 3 or 4 wouldn’t be a smart move for the Pelicans.
If they have the opportunity to jump up and snag him with certainty via a trade with the Hornets, that’s something they should do. In this hypothetical deal, the Hornets would get a point guard project in Dyson Daniels, the 14th overall pick, a future 2025 and 2026 first-round pick, and Zion Williamson. The Pelicans would get the second pick (Scoot) and Gordon Hayward’s contract.
In other words, the Pelicans would be making an all-time all-move for Scoot. The Hornets would get Zion but also insurance in the way of the 2025 and 2026 first-round picks that are included in this deal. Those are key to keeping the Hornets interested, especially considering Zion’s injury history.