NBA Trades: 5 blockbuster deals to move disgruntled NBA stars

NBA Trade #1

Throughout four years in the NBA, Zion Williamson has yet to play more than 61 games in a season. When he’s on the court, he’s lived up to the hype of being a first-overall pick, with career averages of 25 points and seven rebounds, but the injury concerns he had coming into the league have been more of an issue than anyone imagined.

As great as Zion can be, it may be time for New Orleans to cut their losses and trade Williamson before he’s lost all of his value. A Blazers franchise desperate for someone to jump in on the Lillard sweepstakes and outbid the Miami Heat could be willing to take a chance on Zion, and if so, the Pelicans would benefit.

They’d reunite Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, this time with another star player alongside them in Brandon Ingram, and a well-rounded roster. Lillard may not have the same upside as Williamson at 33 years old, but he will consistently bring star-level production to a Pelicans team that might only be one piece away from contention.

From the Blazers’ side of things, acquiring Williamson is a huge risk, but it’s one they should be willing to take. It certainly beats Miami’s offer of Tyler Herro and picks, which Portland has been patiently waiting for someone to outbid.

Williamson possesses extremely high upside if he can stay on the court and would make for one of the league’s most exciting young duos next to Scoot Henderson. Dyson Daniels was a recent lottery pick and maybe Kira Lewis Jr. could revive his career with the Blazers. Add that to two first-round picks and this offer is very hard to say no to.