Every NBA franchise has a story, good and bad teams alike. Teams don't just naturally stink, and teams don't naturally dominate. It's a growing process, with steps along the way (oftentimes transactions) that lead a team down the path they ultimately fall under.
This is exactly the case for the New Orleans Pelicans organization, which is facing an unprecedented level of uncertainty in its future. Thanks to the buildup of moves over time, the team is faced with the ultimate tough decision.
Trading a franchise star is never the preferred solution. Especially when that franchise cornerstone is a former first overall pick and 'generational talent' like Zion Williamson. But every player comes with baggage.
The same can be said for Zion, whose injury woes have further decimated his career so far. With the unique set of circumstances New Orleans is in, the team elected to commit to Williamson, forming a competitive, win-now team around its unhealthy star. But that risk failed badly this season.
Now, the team could be forced into a rebuild it doesn't want to enter. With veterans that aren't exactly 'wanted' but young assets that are coveted on the market, New Orleans has to decide this offseason what the state of their roster will look like for 2025-26 and beyond.
These issues, combined with sudden breaking news regarding Zion's personal life, make matters worse. Below, we assess the four major moves that put the Pelicans where they are, with a possible Zion breakup looming this summer.