NBA Trades: The Spurs take a chance on Zion Williamson in potential deal.
In one of the more intriguing potential trades for Zion, the San Antonio Spurs would look to consolidate their assets into a star to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Zion would be an interesting choice but a nice potential fit next to Wembanyama. Zion's biggest problem, injuries and conditioning aside, is that he is hard to build around, given that he is a 6'6 power forward.
Having a big man who can not only defend and cover for his defensive limitations while also spacing the floor is necessary, and Wembanyama checks off both of those categories. He is on pace to lead the NBA in blocks per game for a second straight season and is also on pace to shatter the Spurs' single-season record for made threes. The Spurs also have a couple of big contracts that would be ideal in a potential trade with the Pelicans for Zion.
The Spurs' potential trade package might include Zach Collins, Keldon Johnson, the Chicago Bulls' top-10 protected 2025 first-round pick (also top-8 protected in 2026 and 2027), and another future first. That is a modest offer, but the Pelicans would at least get two rotation players and two first-rounders, which isn't nothing considering that they have gotten virtually nothing out of their best player this season.
Considering that he missed more than half of his career games, getting that return for a player who is seen by some as a bust despite his strong play when healthy is actually not terrible. Worse yet for the Pelicans' is the possibility that his trade value further decreases if he returns this season but doesn't play well or does but gets injured yet again.
Then again, the Pelicans may not want to make such a drastic move in-season, and neither could other interested teams. If a deal doesn't materialize this season, then it is possible that Zion could be moved in the offseason, possibly even around the draft. In that case, the Spurs, who could have as many as four first-round picks, would be the team to monitor if they are actually interested in Zion.
The Spurs have a history of revitalizing careers, and he may thrive playing in a city different from New Orleans, which may not have been the best landing spot for him. San Antonio could be an ideal fit since he wouldn't need to be a superstar, just a consistent second option, which he seems more than capable of being. Obviously, health and conditioning are a big part of him playing well no matter where he ends up.
That being said, the Pelicans have often struggled with injuries, even dating back to the Anthony Davis days. While some of that comes down to players, it has plagued their franchise over the last decade.
As a result, the Pelicans may need to start fresh, and that may begin with them moving on from Zion. With the Pelicans already having one of the worst records in the NBA, they could have a high pick and may potentially add two more if they agree to a trade with San Antonio.