Only one Zion Williamson trade guarantees Pelicans what they want, and it's ideal for both teams

As the 2023 NBA Draft and start of free agency draw near, it's beginning to look more and more like Zion Williamson's days with the New Orleans Pelicans are numbered. With Williamson's name popping up more and more frequently in potential trade talks, one deal that's been floated may not just be the best move, it may be the only move for the Pelicans based on their current desires.

It's been floated a few times that the Pelicans badly want one of the top-draft prospects in G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson. As Rafael Barlowe of NBA Big Board so perfectly worded it, an NBA executive said Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin has a "man crush on Scoot." But the kicker here is that the only move New Orleans can make to guarantee they land Henderson is to jump to No. 2 in a potential trade with the Charlotte Hornets.

The way things currently stand, Henderson could very well fall to No. 3 if the Hornets take Alabama star Brandon Miller, but if the Pelicans trade up to get the third pick, it adds even more value for the Hornets if they want to press New Orleans. The only outcome that may avoid this is if the Pelicans wait until draft night and attempt to acquire pick No. 3 after the Hornets select, but that'd include an assumption that no other team in the league trades up to either No. 2 or 3, which doesn't appear likely.

So what's the move? It's for both the Pelicans and Hornets to take the risk which comes on both sides and make the deal that's been floating out among the NBA media.

As Marc Stein reported in The Stein Line, there's a "rising level of exasperation" within the Pelicans organization regarding Zion Williamson's lack of availability and "overall approach." But even going beyond that, Stein reported that the person he spoke to regarding the topic is "convinced" the Pelicans would trade Williamson if it meant they were able to get Scoot Henderson.

The only way they can guarantee that is with the Hornets' pick.

The risk/reward involved on both sides of this potential Zion Williamson trade

The outlook of Williamson's NBA career remains a major question mark. He could battle injuries consistently and become a solid player when he does play, or he could turn into the absolute star he has the potential and upside to be. The risk of trading him has to be at least a bit scary, but the risk of giving up one of the top talents in this draft for Williamson is equally terrifying.

The upside for both sides is absolutely there, however. It's hard to deny that there's a realistic outcome that features both the Pelicans and Hornets benefitting from a potential deal that sends Zion to Charlotte. For New Orleans, they get their guy, the player they so highly covet in this draft. If Henderson is anywhere close to as good in the NBA as he's shown the potential to be, New Orleans will be just fine with whatever happens with Zion in Charlotte.

The sheer impact of Zion's name on the Hornets would go a long way. The idea of pairing him with LaMelo Ball and creating a dynamic and exciting duo could generate a buzz in Charlotte around the team that's as big, if not bigger than when Kemba Walker had the team in the postseason. With Williamson originally being from North Carolina (Salisbury, which is roughly 40-45 miles from Charlotte), and playing his college ball for the Duke Blue Devils, it'd be a homecoming of sorts.

Williamson's name alone and the belief fans could have in the team returning to relevance would sell tickets, merchandise and create some hope in the city of Charlotte. And the Hornets need that. Badly.

The risk for Charlotte is obvious though, especially if the homecoming doesn't add some pep in Williamson's step and get him focused on staying on the floor. There's an obvious concern in that, and acquiring him via trade means they're giving up the opportunity to inject another young talent into a group featuring a plethora of young faces.

In the end, both the Pelicans and Hornets have different needs. The Pelicans need a fresh start and the Hornets need something to push them forward and take a step toward ending the rebuild. This trade covers both bases, even if there's plenty of risk involved.