Reporter shuts down Zion Williamson rumor

With trade rumors reaching a fever pitch, ESPN insider Jonathan Givony shut down the idea of New Orleans parting with 2019 No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson on Friday.

Per Fox 8 New Orleans, Givony was a guest on "The Lowe Post" podcast with Zach Lowe and said, "I've been told New Orleans is not trading Zion."

He later added, "That was pretty much shut down to me as a possibility of Zion to Charlotte," addressing the report from The Athletic on Monday that suggested New Orleans was looking to trade up for Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Charlotte holds the No. 2 overall pick, while New Orleans has the No. 14 selection. The speculation about Williamson's availability in a trade stemmed from a couple of factors. For one, his lack of availability on a team that is otherwise built to contend has frustrated fans, teammates and the front office. Second, the Pelicans would have to part with something significant to receive Charlotte's pick, and Williamson is perhaps the team's biggest trade asset.

Brandon Ingram could also fit that bill, but Givony shot down speculation he could be involved in a trade. "There is no interest in trading Brandon Ingram," he said.

Unless the team cashes out on most (if not all) of its picks acquired in the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday deals, New Orleans is likely out of the running for Henderson. That might not be a bad thing. Ingram and Williamson proved how good they could be last season as New Orleans raced out to a 23-12 record.

Williamson's health has prevented him from being as great as he should be, but he remains a generational talent with the potential to sway the balance of power in the NBA. He's the kind of player franchises spend years trying to find.

Others have speculated on different trade scenarios involving Williamson, but Givony's comments suggest New Orleans plans to run it back instead of breaking up the band.

Denver showed this week a patient approach is a viable path to a championship. Injuries forced Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to miss significant time in 2021 and 2022, but they were healthy this year and the organization won its first title.

The Pelicans may want to try that blueprint instead of winging it.