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NBA Trade Idea Sees Pelicans Move Zion Williamson For Former No. 1 Draft Pick

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated May 21, 2025 12:55 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans have made the playoffs twice since drafting Zion Williamson with the first pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke.

Williamson, though, hasn't played in a playoff game due to injuries. The lefty has played in just 45% of his possible games with the Pelicans since being the No. 1 overall pick.

Some believe New Orleans should trade Williamson this summer since the talented forward can't seem to stay healthy and has a lot of money left on his contract.

If the Pelicans decide to shop Williamson, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed a trade idea between New Orleans and the Portland Trail Blazers.

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Deandre Ayton, No. 11 pick, Milwaukee's 2028 first-round pick (swap rights), Milwaukee's 2029 first-round pick (swap rights)

Portland Trail Blazers: Zion Williamson

Williamson appeared in 30 games for the Pelicans this season. He averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 56.7% from the field and 65.6% from the free-throw line.

A two-time All-Star, Williamson has career averages of 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 214 games.

The Pelicans signed Williamson to a five-year, $197 million extension in 2022. Williamson will make $39.4 million next season, $42.1 million in 2026-27 and $44.8 million in 2027-28, the final season of his contract.

"The Pelicans are ready for a reset," Favale wrote. "They can wait and see whether Zion increases his value ahead of February's trade deadline, but that's a risky game considering his checkered injury history. Scooping up another lottery pick for one of the NBA's least-available stars would be a good start."

Ayton was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He has played for the Suns and Trail Blazers, compiling averages of 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Ayton will make $35.5 million next season in the final year of his contract.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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