Off-the-court controversy and a slew of injuries led to rumors and reports that the New Orleans Pelicans could potentially trade forward Zion Williamson this offseason. But now that the 2023 NBA Draft has passed and some of the smoke has settled, it’s looking like the former No. 1 overall pick could be staying in New Orleans.
NBA insider Shams Charania recently joined the ‘Pat McAfee Show’ and spoke about Williamson’s future with the franchise, revealing that he believes a trade is looking unlikely to occur.
“I wouldn’t count on Zion getting traded now,” Charania said. “I think the potential of him getting traded, a lot of that rested on the Pelicans trying to get in the top two, top three (of the 2023 NBA Draft). We’d been talking about it for weeks, even before the draft, they wanted to get high up, they wanted to get Scoot Henderson, they wanted to get high up in the draft and I think the fact that they weren’t able to do it, I think now you’ve got a full summer, get right, get healthy.”
Many saw a drop off in talent following the first three prospects of this year’s NBA Draft, including the Pelicans, who will now likely continue to roll with their former top pick.
Production has not been the issue for Williamson during his NBA career, averaging 25.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. But availability has been, as he missed the entire 2021-2022 season and only played in 29 games last season. But according to Charania, Williamson has been showing promising signs of full health this offseason.
“To my knowledge Zion Williamson’s working out, doing his thing, there was just that video I think a week or two ago of him doing a 360 dunk at a camp. So it seems like he’s feeling good, he’s trying to ramp up and even Willie Green said on the telecast the other day he’s feeling good and we’re hopeful,” Charania said. “Listen, this is a Zion friendly program, if Zion Williamson’s 100% healthy the Pelicans have a shot to be a true contender in the Western Conference.”
The Pelicans have only made one playoff appearance since Williamson’s arrival to the franchise in a series he did not play in. As the two-time All-Star has definitely shown the ability to lead a playoff team, but hasn’t shown the ability to stay healthy enough to do so.
“So right now I think all systems are for Zion Williamson playing in New Orleans definitely next season to start and hopefully maintaining a level of health,” Charania said. “I think this entire organization, it’s all resting on health.”
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