Miami Heat: 5 Superstars to purse after missing out on Damian Lillard

Zion Williamson

A few seasons ago, the thought of the New Orleans Pelicans trading away Zion Williamson would have been unthinkable. A potential generational talent with the world at his feet. The Pelicans would be crazy to trade Williamson away… right???

Fast forward to today and don’t be too surprised if the Pelicans are tentatively taking calls on his once prized asset. The best ability is availability and for one reason or another, Zion simply hasn’t been on the floor enough for the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in the 2019 NBA draft.

Not only did the Pelicans draft him No. 1 overall, but they have also given him a five-year max extension. So why would New Orleans move off of Zion?

Since the pre-draft process, there were rumblings that Zion was heavily wishing for the New York Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers to win the draft lottery. His wish was to land in a huge market that would allow him to maximize his potential not only on the court but allow him to become a megastar off the court.

While New Orleans is an amazing city, it doesn’t have the same far-reaching market appeal as New York or L.A.

Zion has also struggled with injuries and his physique throughout his time with the Pelicans.

In short, it seems for all intents and purposes it could be in the best interest of both sides for both sides to explore a “fresh” start of sorts.

While Miami doesn’t have the same market size as New York or L.A., you can make the argument that it is a sports hotbed at the moment. Add in the fact that the Heat is one of the best developmental teams in the league and it’s easy to see why Zion makes sense.

A motivated and healthy Zion Williamson could push the Heat, who already has a championship-caliber core, over the top.