New Orleans Pelicans Confirm They Would Consider Trading Zion Williamson

BYBen Mock1.5K Views
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Minnesota Timberwolves v New Orleans Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 28: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball down court during the third quarter of an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Smoothie King Center on December 28, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Zion could be on the move very soon.

After a week of infidelity allegations, the discussion around Zion Williamson has turned to whether the player is about to find himself on a new team. Trade rumors surrounding the 2019 first-overall pick emerged as league sources reported that the Pelicans were enamored with draft prospect Scoot Henderson. Henderson is a G-League star who is expected to be drafted in the top three picks of next week's draft. The Pelicans currently pick at #14.

Beyond the Spurs picking generational talent Victor Wembanyama, at #1, the rest of the draft's top-five is a complete unknown. The Hornets, Trail Blazers, Rockets, and Pistons are all reportedly open to hearing trade offers for picks two through five. Furthermore, the Hornets and Trail Blazers, the two teams Henderson will most likely land with, have been the most vocal in their willingness to trade out of the top three.

Pelicans Confirm Zion Is On The Table

There has been a flurry of activity in the past 24 hours about the potential of the Pelicans trading Zion. First, NBA insider Marc Stein announced that sources within the team had confirmed that they would consider trading Zion. It was the first time since the rumors began to swirl that the team acknowledged that Zion was theoretically available. However, since then, Stein has reported additional rumors regarding the player.

Speaking on his The Stein Line podcast on June 16, Stein revealed that the Hornets were looking to put together a package to acquire Zion. "“Based on what I’m hearing, yes, the Pelicans are legitimately considering… doesn’t mean they would 100 percent do it, but they are considering the prospect of trying to assemble a deal for Charlotte’s No. 2 pick that would feature Zion Williamson.” Gaining the second-overall pick would guarantee Henderson for the Pelicans. However, it would mean giving up their young star, who has shown that he is an elite player when healthy. Do you think the Pelicans will trade Zion? This is a developing story and we'll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.

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About The Author
Ben Mock
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
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