NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Realistic, 5 unrealistic draft day trade possibilities
Unrealistic – The New Orleans Pelicans trade Zion Williamson
Equipped with one of the most talented rosters in the league, the New Orleans Pelicans should have had more success than they’ve experienced over the past few seasons. Because of that, it could lead to the team electing to make a big move. The recent rumor mill has the team open to the idea of trading Zion Williamson, perhaps in an attempt to move into the top 3 of the NBA Draft to take Scoot Henderson. I don’t buy it.
For as much of a hassle Zion has been for the Pelicans between his injury history and the most recent off-the-court scandal, I would be extremely surprised if they just gave up on a 22-year-old with MVP upside. That almost never happens in the NBA. For the Pelicans to do it for an unproven NBA Draft prospect would be quite the gamble.
We know the Blazers are not trading for Zion; that can’t be the gamble they make for Damian Lillard. So this would have to be a deal between the Hornets, who own the No. 2 pick, and the Pelicans.
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For as much as LaMelo Ball and Zion would draw eyes and attention, I don’t ultimately believe the Hornets make this big of a move. In fact, I think this is much more smoke than fire. And we’ll soon realize that when Zion doesn’t get traded and the reports start backtracking everything that’s been reported in the last few days.