It’s hard to imagine Zion Williamson spending his whole career on the New Orleans Pelicans. For Pelicans fans, that’s going to feel harsh. On the other hand, for some other fans around the NBA, it sounds like music to their ears.

Why do we say that? Trade rumors have marked Williamson’s tenure with the Pelicans. When Williamson was drafted to New Orleans, people wondered if he was unhappy to be part of the organization. 

At some point, something may have to give. In 2023-24, there have been further reports of tension between Williamson and the organization.

Could they finally bite the bullet and send him to the Charlotte Hornets? 

NBA Trade Proposal: Charlotte Hornets Land New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Nick Smith, 2026 First-Round Pick (NOP), 2028 First-Round Pick (NOP) 

Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Zion Williamson

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Williamson was supposed to save the Pelicans. Before Victor Wembanyama, Williamson was the most anticipated NBA prospect since LeBron James. What happened?

Williamson’s unique combination of size and speed has always been his calling card. Unfortunately, that size has problems at times. Williamson has become the most injury-prone player in the NBA. In all likelihood, his excess weight is part of the problem. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets Updates

On the other hand, it’s part of what makes him special. Either way, it seems likely that the Pelicans are growing tired. Williamson has been healthy this year – and somewhat disappointing as well.

Should they move him to the Pelicans? 

Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal 

To reiterate: it wasn’t supposed to be this way. That’s unfortunate. Still, the Pelicans need to accept their new reality. If the marriage with Williamson isn’t working out, they need a divorce.

By now, his trade value has likely declined. Rival teams will also be concerned about Williamson’s health. Questions about his conditioning have emerged as well. Still, if the Pelicans don’t move him soon, they may risk watching his value decline even further. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets Updates

So, a pair of first-round picks ought to suffice. Moreover, the Pelicans should be happy to grab Hayward’s expiring contract. Finally, Smith is a young guard who, at times, flashed lottery potential in last year’s draft cycle. Should the Hornets part with him?

Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal 

Williamson isn’t the only injury-prone player around the NBA. LaMelo Ball has made a habit of getting hurt as well. With that in mind, putting the pair together would be risky on the Hornets’ behalf. 

On the other hand, the payoff could be enormous. This pair makes perfect sense on paper. Ball is one of the best playmakers in the NBA, and Williamson is an elite play-finisher. It’s already easy to imagine the lob connection between these two stars. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets Updates

What do the Hornets have to lose? There have been rumors about Ball’s discontentedness in Charlotte as well. This team has often been outside of the playoff picture during his time with them. Why not take a home run swing? Williamson could spend the rest of his career in Charlotte if it works out. 

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