The number one overall pick in 2019 was the most hyped NBA prospect since LeBron James. After an electric route through high school and Duke University, providing highlight dunks and flashes of elite athleticism, Williamson was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans as the franchise’s new face. His biggest issue at the professional level has been his health, only appearing in 190 of his possible 361 outings. He’s only played in 30 or more games twice through five years, and his most played in a single season is 70. The bright side? When on the court, he’s one of the most talented players in the entire league. Williamson has made the All-Star team both times that he played 60 or more games, and in the only do-or-die scenario at this level, he dropped 40 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists on 63% shooting from the field in their Play-In Tournament loss after last season. The Pelicans are seemingly ready to move on from their 24-year-old injury-riddled forward. Can the Bulls swoop in and snag the potential superstar?
This morning, Bobby Marks and Tim MacMahon’s article detailed what some call “the most difficult question in the NBA.” What do the Pelicans do with Zion Williamson? According to some executives around the league, they should be looking to move forward from the two-time All-Star in favor of younger assets or draft capital. The new home would have to be willing to swing at the young phenom despite his injury history and a hefty salary. Sound familiar? NBA front offices agree that Zach LaVine could be the perfect swap piece.
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According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks, NBA executives cited the Chicago Bulls as a potential destination for Zion Williamson if the Pelicans choose to trade the 24-year-old. pic.twitter.com/tb71hnvpm4
— ChicagoBullsCentral (@BullsCentraI) December 31, 2024
LaVine carries similar baggage as Williamson at an older age and more proof of concept. Both players have two All-Star nods, minimal postseason experience, lucrative contracts for the next three seasons, and consistently battle injuries. New Orleans is 5-28 and last in the Western Conference standings. Could a stab at LaVine potentially turn the tides of their season or future?
This trade will not get done without Chicago adding loads of appealing future assets. This could include their newest first-round pick, Matas Buzelis, or future first-round picks, but in any case, solely trading LaVine will not entice a swap for the Pelicans’ star forward. The Bulls should jump on any opportunity to add the former Duke Blue Devil at any cost. Without a clear direction forward or any solidified stars on the roster, adding Zion Williamson would add a new face to the franchise and create much-needed buzz and energy around the mediocre franchise.
I would absolutely try to trade for Zion
Bulls need someone who could be the best player on a title team. The odds of Zion becoming that may be low, but there’s a non-zero chance. Without any other realistic avenues to find that guy, I’d buy on Zion while he’s available https://t.co/zz2ZDF1F8P
— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) December 31, 2024
Should the Bulls be all-in on Williamson, or should they wait and trade LaVine for more certain assets moving forward? In the coming months, there will be a frenzy of bites on the 24-year-old if the Pelicans decide to go in a different direction.
