This 76ers-Pelicans trade proposal sends Zion Williamson to Philly

With rumors that New Orleans Pelicans' Zion Williamson could soon be on the move, speculation has begun over potential trade partners, and one NBA insider believes the Philadelphia 76ers could be a match. 

Andre Snellings of ESPN recently proposed a trade sending Williamson to Philly for a package including James Harden. Snellings' mock deal would package Harden, P.J. Tucker, defending Slam Dunk Champion Mac McClung and two 2024 second-round draft picks to the Pelicans in return for Williamson, Larry Nance Jr., Garrett Temple and Trey Murphy III. 

"If the 76ers can pair Williamson with Embiid and a strong supporting cast featuring [Tyrese] Maxey, De'Anthony Melton and Tobias Harris, the 76ers would have the highest ceiling in the NBA," Sellings wrote. 

Harden can opt out of his contract with the Sixers this offseason amid whispers of a possible return to the Houston Rockets. Also, reports indicate that Philly may not be "motivated" to pay Harden what he desires.  

Meanwhile, Williamson has proved to be a dominant force on the hardwood when healthy. 

However, his lack of availability may have the Pelicans ready to move on. Selected No. 1 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williamson has played in only 114 games over four seasons. The 22-year-old played in 29 contests for New Orleans in 2022-23, averaging 26 points, seven rebounds and 4.6 assists, earning his second-career All-Star nod. 

Williamson's teammates might also be ready to turn the page. Following the Pelican's elimination from the NBA play-in tournament, guard C.J. McCollum appeared to take a veiled shot at Williamson. McCollum, who battled injuries throughout the season, said he wasn't the type to take the "easy way out" by getting surgery and sitting out the year. 

As the NBA Draft nears, the Pelicans seem motivated to move Williamson if the price is right. 

Earlier this week, a report emerged stating that New Orleans would be willing to deal Williamson if it meant ending up with a high enough pick to select Scoot Henderson.