The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly targeting a big move in the 2023 NBA Draft - and it means franchise star Zion Williamson could be traded.
The Pelicans are linked with a move up the draft order to capture exciting prospect Scoot Henderson, and the franchise could sever their ties with Williamson as a result. He entered the league amid plenty of hype after the Pelicans spent the 2019 first overall pick on the athletic forward.
Williamson arrived in the NBA in style, averaging 25.8 points per game en route to two All-Star Game nominations. When healthy, he showcases his incredible talent on a nightly basis but ultimately the 22-year-old has struggled to stay available.
While he possesses otherworldly ability, Williamson’s continued struggles with injury mean the Pelicans are reportedly open to moving on from the former Duke star. He played just 29 games last season, missed the entire 2021-22 year and has surpassed the 60-game mark just once across his four years as a pro.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Pelicans are keen to select Henderson but are in no place to do so as the franchise currently holds the 14th overall pick. Henderson is backed by many to go inside the top three, so a large jump up the board will be required if New Orleans are going to get their man.
Such a big move would need an equally large trade package, and Williamson could be on the table. Speaking on FanDuel TV’s ‘Run It Back’, Charania said: “I'm told [The Pelicans] are going after Scoot Henderson... Do the Pelicans look hard internally of moving Zion Williamson?”
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also suggested Williamson could find himself on the trade block in the weeks leading up to the draft. He claimed the Pelicans held ‘cursory discussions’ about moving up to select Henderson, who starred for G League Ignite last season.
“There haven't been any offers made necessarily yet, but it makes you really not take too far of a leap to wonder…,” Windhorst said on ‘Get Up’. “And the league is certainly wondering if the Pelicans are going to make for the first time truly Zion Williamson available ahead of next week's draft.”
Williamson’s off-court personal life has also endured a rocky time recently, with the powerful forward being called out by porn star Moriah Mills online after he announced he and his girlfriend were expecting a daughter. Mills took to social media to declare she had slept with Williamson the week before.
Away from the drama, Williamson’s foundation recently donated $250,000 to students enrolled at Jefferson Parish Schools in the outskirts of New Orleans as part of their Summer Bridge program, per ESPN. Williamson was in attendance to recognize the donation.
It will be an interesting few weeks for Williamson, the generational talent who has struggled to stay healthy. The 2023 NBA Draft will take place on June 22 in New York.
