With one of the worst records in the NBA, the New Orleans Pelicans seem destined for yet another rebuild.
Because it’s more likely not than not that they’ll look to accumulate as many future draft picks as possible, star Zion Williamson could be on the move.
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World predicts the Pelicans will cut ties with Williamson in a trade with the Chicago Bulls. This proposed trade has the Pelicans sending Williamson and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to the Bulls in exchange for former Philadelphia 76ers center Nikola Vucevic, Patrick Williams and two future first-round draft picks.
“The Bulls have been stuck in NBA purgatory, hovering around the play-in tournament without a real path toward championship contention. Trading for Zion Williamson could be their ultimate swing at relevance, giving them a true franchise player with MVP upside if he can stay healthy,” Bitar wrote.
After being drafted and spending his rookie season with the 76ers in 2011, Vucevic has become one of the most reliable centers in the league. He has averaged a double-double for eight consecutive seasons.
If the Pelicans are set on fully inserting their franchise into a rebuilding stage, a trade that helps them acquire a consistent big man, versatile forward in Williams, plus two future first-round picks would be a great deal. One of those possible first-round picks is from the Portland Trail Blazers, who are also one of the worst teams in the league.
Obviously, Vucevic won’t be an acquisition that is expected to pay off down the line. For now, he could be their center that is still producing double-doubles every night. Williams is the better acquisition for the long-term due to only being 23 years-old and he’s a quality defender.
Both teams will likely be active on the market this offseason due to their disappointing seasons.
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