Tensions are rising in New Orleans. With a new front office figurehead in Joe Dumars, the Pelicans hope to change their fortunes after another season punted by injuries. Three core players (Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, and Trey Murphy) saw their seasons end early.
That, compiled with Zion Williamson's constant unavailability, has made New Orleans a compelling situation to monitor this offseason. Despite Dumars' claims of no intentions to move its superstar, the possibility still lingers.
Varying reports leave confusion regarding Williamson's availability, but it appears the organization eyes future success with Zion. Williamson served as the team representative at the NBA draft lottery drawing, which helps instill some faith in both sides' partnership.
Yet, doubt still swarms league circles with Dumars' noncommitted stance to its star and head coach Willie Green. Given his injury history and the constant uncertainty in New Orleans, a fresh start for both parties may be best.
If a trade is initiated by either side, a handful of suitors should emerge. With his value unknown, teams should test the market and find out Zion's worth. One team in particular, the Charlotte Hornets, could be a suitor for Zion, given the number of variables at play. With similar questions about their own star (LaMelo Ball), a frontcourt upgrade like Williamson could help each player's health and development.
Proposed trade gives Charlotte hope and New Orleans a direction
If Charlotte's looking to take a ballsy risk, moving 'Ol reliable Miles Bridges could be an option. Prior to his season-long suspension in 2022-23, the Michigan State product had a career year, averaging at least 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
The magic didn't stop there, though, as Bridges picked up where he left off post-suspension, with near-identical averages the last two seasons. After transforming his game, Bridges is now one of the league's most underrated players and scorers.
In this trade, the Hornets elect to take a chance on Zion's pure talent, shipping out a reliable core player in Miles Bridges and moving last season's lottery pick, Tidjane Salaun, as a way to further entice New Orleans to do business. Despite being uber talented, the Frenchman put up pedestrian numbers in his rookie campaign, showing truly how raw he is. More opportunity and a new home could help Salaun's overall game, as Charlotte lacks veterans, while New Orleans possesses several.
With most of their own draft assets secured and additional future picks, the Hornets can be flexible in their trades. In this case, the team moves off two of their three 2027 first-rounders (their own and Miami's lottery-protected selection).
This provides the Pelicans with guarantees if Miami doesn't make the playoffs, but also if Charlotte can't turn it around in two years. As productive as Zion has been, his inability to stay healthy throughout his career has hindered his trade value.
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. For New Orleans, giving up on a former first overall pick is a choice, but choices come with benefits and consequences. The same can be said for Charlotte in this trade scenario, as both teams continue to pursue improvement next season and beyond. The future remains bright in both organizations, but a 'retooling' of each squad may not hurt.