3 Potential Destinations for Zion Williamson, Officially on Trade Block

After years of watching their potential franchise player sit at the end of the bench rather than playing, the New Orleans Pelicans are officially putting Zion Williamson on the trade block, and listening to offers. The Pelicans season has been a write-off due to a relentless string of injuries to key players, so it's time to make some moves.

The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly shopping Zion Williamson, per @jovanbuha

“Based on the reporting intel, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones are at a certain level for them. They want to keep them. Those are two guys that are going to have a high price to give up, similar to L.A.… pic.twitter.com/M0EYodLSrh
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 24, 2024

According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, other players are higher priorities for the Pels to hang onto.

“Based on the reporting intel, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones are at a certain level for them. They want to keep them. Those are two guys that are going to have a high price to give up... Seems like Zion, and Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum are the three guys they've been shopping more in terms of their core starters, and Dejounte Murray has not.”

So which teams are potential trade partners?

Golden State Warriors

ESPN's Bobby Marks figures the Dubs are a prime suitor for Zion.

Bobby Marks thinks Zion Williamson could be a potential trade target for the Warriors:

“For him to be on the court, that’s how you can get the most value for him, either in a trade or with the Pelicans. I’ve always circled Golden State, [who] would be certainly that team there… pic.twitter.com/BmwvTYRHC8
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 17, 2024

“For him to be on the court, that’s how you can get the most value for him, either in a trade or with the Pelicans. I’ve always circled Golden State, [who] would be certainly that team there for for Zion," said Marks recently.

Golden State is known to be searching for a star player to team with Steph Curry this season to make a real run at another title.

Chicago Bulls

The Zach LaVine/Lonzo Ball era has been a big bust, so it's time for the Bulls to try something completely different, and trying to build around a dynamic superstar like Zion could be the move. On the other hand, after watching Ball miss 2 1/2 seasons due to knee problems, it could be enough to scare off the Bulls from a player as injury-prone as Williamson.

Detroit Pistons

Another team that's just dying for that big spark to take them to a new level, perhaps the Pistons take a chance and pray that Williamson can stay healthy enough to team with Cade Cunningham and give them a dynamic twosome. Zion would be the perfect complement in the frontcourt to Detroit's backcourt star Cunningham.