Zion Williamson was once considered one of the greatest draft prospects in NBA history.
The explosive forward out of Duke was expected to be one of the next cornerstones not just in New Orleans, but for the entire league.
Six years later and he’s being predicted as a cap casualty.
After a number of disappointing seasons marred by weight issues, injuries, and suspensions for being late to team events, Williamson has gone from an asset to expendable.
Wes Goldberg of The Ringer outlined a trade that would trade Zion to a team who would release him for salary cap relief.
Zion Williamson waived by the Boston Celtics
Here’s what Goldberg proposed in his article:
Pelicans receive:
Celtics receive:
- Zion Williamson
- 2026 pick swap (via Milwaukee)
- 2029 1st round pick
So why would Boston release Williamson after this deal? It would bring them under the luxury tax.
Tatum will be hurt for most of the 2025-26 season, which means the Celtics could avoid paying in excess for a team that won’t contend for the title. Jaylen Brown’s five-year, $304 million extension signed in 2023 would be off the books and the Celtics could build for the future.
“There’d be a lot of watching White and Pritchard cook while waiting for Porzingis’s deal to expire,” Goldberg wrote. “Losses would pile up, but the Celtics control their own 2026 pick and would potentially have the right to swap picks with a Bucks team that could be completing a season without Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
The Pelicans and Zion have not been a happy marriage in recent years. He’s been suspended for being late to team appointments and has garnered attention for his off-court activities.
This would be the perfect opportunity to get him off the books and bring in a culture-setter. Brown is a Finals MVP, NBA champion, and would get the opportunity to show what he can do without Tatum.
Still, it’s a crazy proposition to waive the All-Star forward for cap space. How would it affect Williamson? And who would pick him up off the waiver wire?
It’s unlikely to happen, but this deal could be one of the craziest in NBA history.
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