Pistons Predicted To Trade For Zion Williamson This Summer

The Detroit Pistons have been predicted to trade for New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson this summer. 

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report thinks the Pistons, who made the playoffs this year for the first time since 2019, will acquire Williamson from the Pelicans this offseason. 

“New Orleans needs a fresh start. The Pistons need another star. It’s time Williamson got a change of scenery,” Swartz wrote. “Prediction: Williamson is traded to the Pistons.”

Williamson has played in just 45% of his possible games with the Pelicans since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The lefty has never played in a postseason game. 

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 $39,446,090 next season, $42,166,510 in 2026-27 and $44,886,930 in 2027-28, the final season of his contract. 

The Pistons lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in six games. They have a bright future with Cade Cunningham leading the way. 

Meanwhile, the Pelicans had the second-worst record in the West this season.