4) Zion Williamson may be moved due to new Pelicans management
Now, we enter the more appealing, likelier trade candidates this summer. Midway through this list, we head to New Orleans. On paper, the Pelicans should be at least battling for the playoffs. After trading Dejounte Murray last offseason, the franchise prepared itself for a playoff run, with a top-heavy roster led by Zion Williamson. But season-ending injuries plagued the roster. That, combined with unavailability for Zion and a midseason trade of Brandon Ingram, destroyed the Pels' 2024-25 goals.
Not only did Murray, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones suffer season-ending injuries, but just two players (Yves Missi and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl) reached the 65-game threshold for award eligibility. With new management led by Joe Dumars, a core that simply can't stay healthy, and a lottery pick this year, expect some roster shake-ups this offseason. One of those moves includes trading Williamson.
Despite the rumors, Williamson was the team representative during the lottery draw, raising questions about his trade availability heading into the summer. If moving Zion is a top priority, having him present at the lottery was certainly a curveball.
Either way, expect New Orleans to field calls for its franchise star. Zion's value is a question mark, given his injury history, but the productivity is worth taking a risk on if he can magically improve his availability. Don't be shocked if Zion's traded this year.
3) Domantas Sabonis remains in Sacramento, but for how long?
Turmoil in Sacramento, a never-ending phrase. Rather than pivoting towards the future in the De'Aaron Fox trade, the Kings appeared to buy and retool at the trade deadline. Acquiring Zach LaVine in the Fox trade, as well as Jonas Valanciunas and Jake LaRavia in separate deals.
However, the set of circumstances in Sacramento has changed. The Kings cleaned house, firing Mike Brown early into the season, followed by general manager Monte McNair's end-of-season firing.
The irony of the Kings' current situation? No current long-term point guard solution after drafting three (De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, and Davion Mitchell) between 2017 and 2022. This concern is one franchise star Domantas Sabonis addressed in his end-of-season presser.
Now, the Kings appear stuck with no clear plan, especially with the organizational departures. These failures have been noticeable amongst national media, calling out the team to improve or risk mediocrity again.
Sabonis also addressed his future with the team, hoping for a "clear vision moving forward" while also stating he wants to remain in Sacramento. But, he's not alone. DeMar DeRozan has cited concerns, as he initially came to Sacramento to play winning basketball.
The Kings lack an identity, and after the recent acquisitions and departures, this state of Kings' basketball has reached its climax. New general manager Scott Perry will have to decide what's next, and that could include moving Sabonis.