An NBA superstar forcing their way off a team used to be incredibly rare. These days, it’s pretty common. James Harden has done it twice in the last 14 months. All it takes is a trade request (more like a demand) and a healthy trade package to get things done.
In recent years, Anthony Davis has cruised out of New Orleans, Kyrie Irving skipped Cleveland for Boston, Kawhi Leonard asked out of San Antonio and Ben Simmons sat his way out of Philadelphia.
It’s only a matter of time before a new name joins those in wanting out. And there are already some great candidates for such a move. Here, we’ll examine the four NBA superstars who are most likely to force their way out of their current team.
(Credit to Howard Beck for reporting NBA rumors relating to this topic.)
4 NBA superstars who request a trade this offseason – Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson has been dominating the headlines lately, and not in a good way. Since the newly-acquired CJ McCollum admitted that he and Zion hadn’t touched base, multiple media members, including former teammate JJ Redick, blasted the third-year star.
The All-Star forward hasn’t played this season and it seems unlikely he’ll return at all. Has Williamson played his last game for the Pelicans? That may seem dramatic, but it’s a real possibility.
There have long been rumors that he never wanted to be in New Orleans and would skip town at the first chance. Including restricted free agency, the Pelicans hold his rights for several more seasons, but given his health and attitude, his trade value is dwindling by the day.
It might be beneficial for both sides to move on sooner rather than later. New Orleans, just years removed from a similar situation with Anthony Davis, could use his mighty trade value to build around McCollum and Brandon Ingram.
Williamson could get a much-needed refresh in a new town and get back to reminding everyone why he started in the All-Star Game last year.