NBA Trade Rumors: Zion Williamson Lands With Surprise Team in Proposed Deal

Have the New Orleans Pelicans had enough of waiting for Zion Williamson to stay healthy long enough to have an impact on the franchise? Trade talk is ramping up once again around Zion and the Pels, and this time, with a new front office in place, it could finally be the time.

New Orleans had its worst season in 20 years—all the way back to when they were the Hornets. A 21-61 record this season left the team in tatters, and a new direction is needed.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has suggested the following proposed trade that could team Zion up with Cade Cunningham as the new 1-2 punch in the Motor City.

Detroit Pistons receive:

Zion Williamson

New Orleans Pelicans receive:

Jaden Ivey
Tobias Harris
Bobi Klintman
2027 first-round pick (top-three-protected)
2025 second-round pick (via TOR)

For the Pistons, it gives them a second superstar, which all true contending teams need to have. "Cunningham needs a legitimate co-star to have a fighting chance of probing deep into the playoffs," writes Buckley.

Williamson, when healthy, is as dynamic an offensive force as there is, averaging 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 214 regular-season games.

But of course, staying healthy is not something he's been very good at, missing over 55% of his team's games since coming into the league in 2019. But the Pistons need to take a big swing to join the big boys at the top of the East, and this could do it, if Zion can figure out a way to stay on the court.

The Pelicans, and new executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, could get out from under the weight of waiting. Waiting year after year for Zion to stay healthy. They need to choose a new path. New Orleans, in this hypothetical deal, would get a terrific young piece in Jaden Ivey to start building a new backcourt for the future, plus a nice first-round pick and a very solid second-round pick.