The NBA Trade Season Has Officially Kicked Off
Now that the December 15th trade restriction date has passed, the NBA trade season is in full swing. The recent deal between the Warriors and Dennis Schroder has set the tone for what’s to come, and we can expect a flurry of trades in the next few weeks.
Identifying the Sellers
As teams assess their chances of making a deep playoff run, some will inevitably decide to rebuild and cash in their valuable assets. The usual suspects, such as the Wizards, Trail Blazers, Jazz, and Raptors, are likely to be among the sellers. However, one team that finds itself in this position due to unfortunate injury luck is the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans’ Season is All but Over
With a dismal 5-22 record, the Pelicans are 9.5 games behind the 10th seed and have the second-worst point differential in the league. Injuries have decimated their season, and it’s time for them to face reality. Despite their resistance to trading their young core, reports suggest they are open to listening to offers for most of their roster.
A Surprising Omission
Noticeably absent from the protected list is Zion Williamson, the Pelicans’ star player. His absence is hardly surprising, given his injury woes. Since hurting his hamstring in early November, there’s been no sign of his imminent return. It’s understandable that the Pelicans would consider moving on from the Zion Williamson era.
The Challenges of Trading Zion
The question is, which teams have the need and resources to take on Zion’s contract? Contenders may struggle to make the math work, and non-contenders may be hesitant to trade for an injured player. The Blazers, with their available cap space, could be a potential suitor. Alternatively, the Heat might consider swapping Jimmy Butler for Zion, but it’s hard to see the Pelicans agreeing to that deal.
A Shift in Perception
Just a few years ago, Zion’s name would have sparked interest from almost every team in the league. Now, his injury history and high salary make him a much harder sell. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA.
What’s Next for Zion?
My prediction is that Zion will remain with the Pelicans through the trade deadline, simply because it’s difficult to move big-time salary players mid-season. However, if a team underachieves in the playoffs, they may be more willing to take a chance on Zion. A change of scenery could be just what he needs to revitalize his career. If not, his story may become one of the biggest “what ifs” in NBA history.
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