The New Orleans Pelicans received an improbable blessing in 2020 when they landed the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, which was used to select former Duke Blue Devils phenom Zion Williamson.
However, they’ve done little with this gift, reaching the playoffs few times in Williamson’s six-year career. Partial blame should go to the 24-year-old for his inability to stay healthy, but the Pelicans’ front office failed to construct a strong supporting cast.
Most anticipate the two-time All-Star will be traded out of New Orleans in the near future because of this, but a proposed trade ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft sees the Williamson era stay alive.
Pelicans Predicted To Trade for Kevin Durant
Even more likely than the Pelicans cutting ties with Williamson this offseason is the Phoenix Suns parting ways with veteran superstar Kevin Durant, who still has one year left remaining on his four-year, $194 million contract. Considering their lack of success in the 2024 campaign and a limited amount of future assets, it’s easy to recognize why Phoenix’s front office would deal with the perennial All-Star.
New Orleans is rarely named a landing spot for Durant, but Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman predicts the following blockbuster trade between the Suns and Pelicans could take place before the draft.
Pelicans receive: Durant
Suns receive: No. 7 pick, CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, Jordan Hawkins, 2029 first-round pick (top-three protected), 2027 first-round pick swap (via Milwaukee Bucks)
Wasserman believes the No. 7 pick would land the Pelicans/Suns with Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach. The additions of Maluach, Hawkins, and the pair of first-round picks would bring Phoenix a step closer to having its future back. Chances are the Suns would then attempt to deal Bradley Beal and possibly Devin Booker for even more youth and draft capital.
The Pelicans are gambling on Williamson’s health in this scenario, which is quite a risky one. He’s appeared in more than 60 games just twice in his career, but at 24 years old, there is time to build a more reliable reputation. There’s no denying his talent on both ends of the floor when he’s on it, as he’s regularly seen throwing down monstrous dunks and swatting shots off the backboard.
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Durant’s time in the league is running out at 36 years old, meaning New Orleans would need to swiftly add contributors around their new superstar duo. A team led by one of the greatest scorers of all time, Durant, and a healthy Williamson could make serious noise in the Western Conference if the right pieces are placed around them.
The Pelicans have made the playoffs twice since Zion Williamson has been on the team. Now he hasn’t played in the playoffs but we have made the playoffs via play in tourney