NBA: Zion Williamson Trade Rumors After the All-Star Break

The New Orleans star power forward, Zion Williamson, hasn’t played since the beginning of the season (2021-2022).

He has already missed a lot of games since he came into the league. To summarize, in his first three seasons with the Pelicans, he only managed to play in 85 games.

Zion is suffering from a foot injury, causing him to miss even team practices. Before the NBA Summer League in 2021, Zion injured his right foot. Though he already underwent surgery, it is still not clear when will he be coming back to the hardwood. Nonetheless, Williamson will become an unrestricted free agent in 2024.

Zion Williamson, Photo Courtesy of cbssports.com

Sadly, because of his injuries, Zion is now part of trade talks involving other teams.

Even though the Pelicans are hoping for his full recovery, there are rumors that some executives want to ship Zion out of New Orleans. Also, a Williamson family member wants Zion to leave New Orleans. He is still an asset for the team as of now, but as he keeps missing games, his trade value also declines.

Rumors around the league are spreading that there are still other teams interested in Zion Williamson.

1. New York Knicks

The Knicks aren’t looking good this season, even with RJ Barret playing his best season. Now that Cam Reddish is signed by the Knicks, the team could be a trade away for a reunion between former Duke teammates (Williamson, Barrett, and Reddish).

Zion as a Knick, Photo Courtesy of fadeawayworld.net

Although the Knicks probably has to give up the likes of Julius Randle and Obi Toppin, the scenario is still not impossible. New York is still in need of a reliable superstar to bring them back into playoff contention.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC is now in rebuild mode after they got rid of all their previous stars. They are looking bright, with a couple of talented youngsters like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, and Tre Mann.

Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey, Photo Courtesy of okcthunderwire.usatoday.com

Oklahoma has a huge cap space available. That means they can sign any superstar they want during the offseason. Additionally, they have 16 more first-round picks until 2027. This has to be the best rebuild being done in the league today. Another “Trust the Process” in the making.

3. Houston Rockets

The Rockets are terrible as of late, but the team definitely has some young rising stars. Another team that needs a superstar. But, what they really need is a leader on the court.

Houston Rockets (2022), Photo Courtesy of Clutch City Entertainment on twitter.com

Houston isn’t a powerhouse anymore like it used to be during the James Harden era. But, the team has good young guys like Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Christian Wood, Kenyon Martin Jr., Jae’Sean Tate, and Alperen Sengun.

An athlete like a “healthy” Zion Williamson is what the Rockets might really need in the future.

4. Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets are a pretty decent team. They’re also very entertaining to watch. With LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Terry Rozier leading the way, the Buzz City is looking pretty good.

Zion as a Hornet, Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Jones on twitter.com

We’ve seen what LaMelo can do with a ball. He’s got great playmaking and court vision which makes him a very good point guard. Pair him with a super athletic Zion, and you’ve got yourself another “Lob City”.

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Assuming Charlotte would like to sign or trade for Zion in the future, could it mean giving up at least one of their stars? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.    

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