'You got to get a guy that's going to move the needle' - Kendrick Perkins thinks trading for Zion Williamson can save the Warriors' season

After opening this season with an impressive hot streak, the Golden State Warriors are now struggling to keep their heads above water in the Western Conference. The Dubs recently added veteran guard Dennis Schroder, but the move hardly put fear into the hearts of their opponents.

However, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes that the Warriors may have to try something drastic to keep themselves competitive: trade for the super-talented but oft-injured power forward Zion Williamson.

Desperate times

After ruling over the NBA in the 2010s and winning another title in 2022, the Warriors have fallen on tough times. Although their longtime superstar, Stephen Curry, remains an elite shooter and playmaker, the team's front office has failed to provide him with a talented supporting cast. And with former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green getting up there in age and young forward Jonathan Kuminga not panning out as expected, the Warriors are at a crossroads.

Trading for Zion may seem far-fetched, but it could be a move that pays off in the long run. The former Duke standout was once touted as the league's next generational talent and has shown glimpses of his potential when healthy. Injuries have been a recurring challenge throughout his career, including this season, where a hamstring issue has limited him to just six appearances.

However, Perkins believes that taking on such a risk could be worth it for the Warriors.

"When you think about the Warriors, you've got to get a guy that's going to move the needle. I'm looking at Zion Williamson," Perk said. "Low risk, high reward. And when I say low risk, it's because he has one of the most unique contracts in NBA history. Whoever has him could waive him at the end of the season. So why not take a chance on a guy like Zion?"

Williamson's talent is undeniable, and he showed the depth of his skills last season. Playing the most games of his career, 70, the left-handed powerhouse averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, showing the kind of versatility that could propel Golden State back to their championship glory.

"I feel like Zion in Golden State would be a different Zion Williamson. He needs to be around greatness," Perkins added.

Time for a divorce

Speaking on the "Road Trippin'" podcast, another former NBA champion, Richard Jefferson, remarked that it's best for Williamson and New Orleans to part ways. Zion has played in only 190 regular-season games in six seasons with the Pelicans. Moreover, weight and conditioning issues that have plagued him early in his career continue to be a concern.

"It's probably best for both Zion and New Orleans to move on," RJ said. "For Zion, it seems like there are things—whether it's his habits on and off the court—that need to improve. But looking at history, where in NBA history have we seen a stretch like this, and then it turns around for the player to become successful?"

"We've seen players leave these situations and have a resurgence, but we've never seen a player just stay in this and figure it out by year eight or nine. That's never happened," Jefferson added.

After losing to the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day, the Warriorre is now at 15-14 after a 12-3 start. It's tough times in Golden State, and ithat their roster they have is not enough to compete at the highest level.