1) NBA Trades: The Brooklyn Nets add Zion Williamson in possible blockbuster
The Brooklyn Nets have plenty of draft picks in this year's NBA draft and could look to turn them into a star to build around. They have four first-round picks, including what is projected to be the sixth overall selection. Assuming that doesn't jump into the top four, they could be willing to move any of those assets in a deal for a star.
They could be an underrated suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even so, if they strike out at him, they will be forced to pivot to another star. In that case, they should target Williamson.
Although there will be several stars available this summer, including Durant and Antetokounmpo, Durant doesn't make sense for their roster. He also demanded a trade from Brooklyn before. Meanwhile, Giannis would be an interesting option for them, considering that he is rumored to be interested in playing in a bigger market.
However, they will have plenty of competition for him, and if they strike out on him, they should turn their attention to another star. In this case, that would be Williamson. The Nets could offer the Pelicans Cam Johnson or Nick Claxton as well as three first-round picks, including at least two in this year's draft.
Or, they could absorb Williamson into their projected $70 million cap space this summer. Not only that, they could even work out an agreement in which they agree to take back C.J. McCollum's ugly contract as well as Williamson while holding on to one of those three first-round picks. That would allow the Pelicans to truly rebuild by moving their worst contract as well as their best player and getting multiple first-round picks back.
It might not be the best of the four proposed deals on paper, but if they were to take back Johnson, the Pelicans could flip him for another first. In that scenario, they could get three or four firsts for Zion, depending on McCollum's involvement.
For the Nets, that move would give them a young star that they could build around. He could be just the first domino, too. The Nets would still potentially have enough to pursue Trae Young if they first land Williamson.
All told, the Pelicans should strongly consider trading Zion Williamson this summer. With Dumars now in charge, it seems the Pelicans will be heading in that direction, and the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, and Nets would be the obvious landing spots.