Latest Report on NBA Star Zion Williamson's Potential Trade

After trading for star Dejounte Murray and sending defensive guard Dyson Daniels to the Hawks, the Pelicans were in win-now mode. Murray suffered a torn achilles, Zion missed multiple games, Herb Jones tore his labrum, C.J. McCollum missed time with an adductor strain and then a foot injury, and Trey Murphy hurt his shoulder and missed a significant portion of time.

All of this was done without mentioning that they traded away Brandon Ingram after a tumultuous season dealing with injuries.

Now, where does that leave the Pelicans? According to Marc Stein's latest Substack column, there is now some clarity on the direction they want to take with superstar Zion Williamson:

"Amid no shortage of speculation about the Pelicans deciding to outright shop Williamson for the first time after six frustration-filled seasons, sources say that the lottery assignment was indeed intended to convey the message that New Orleans' new front office, now headed by Louisiana native Joe Dumars, wants to try again to make things work with Williamson as the team's centerpiece."

With trade rumors swirling, Stein reports that Williamson becoming the face of the Pelicans at the NBA Draft lottery may indicate the front office's willingness to keep him. Adding a top-15 draft pick alongside a core that should return healthy, will look to make noise in the crowded Western Conference.