NBA Rumors: Top 5 Landing Spots For Zion Williamson This Summer
The New Orleans Pelicans are ushering in a new chapter, parting ways with former executive VP David Griffin and bringing in Hall of Famer Joe Dumars to steer the franchise forward. Amid this front-office overhaul, all eyes are on Zion Williamson’s future with the team.
The 2019 No. 1 overall pick has been electrifying when healthy, but availability has been a persistent issue—Williamson has played just 214 of a possible 472 regular-season games since entering the league.
Initial reports from Pelicans insider Shamit Dua suggested Dumars was instructed to retain head coach Willie Green and trade Williamson, but Dua later clarified that Dumars "wants a chance to get through to Zion" before exploring a deal.
Whether Dumars can forge a connection with Williamson remains uncertain, but trade speculation will swirl regardless.
Here are five potential landing spots for the 24-year-old star:
1. Portland Trail Blazers
Portland boasts one of the NBA’s most promising young cores among non-playoff teams, with Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Toumani Camara leading the charge. They also have valuable trade assets like Deni Avdija, Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, and Anfernee Simons.
A healthy Zion could elevate Portland’s rising talent, and the city holds significance for him—he famously transformed his physique there during rehab in 2022. Perhaps a full-time move to the Pacific Northwest could unlock his untapped potential.
2. Dallas Mavericks
This would be the ultimate high-risk, high-reward gamble—but imagine the upside.
With trade rumors potentially weakening New Orleans’ leverage, Dallas could buy low on Zion, injecting new life into a franchise that disappointed its fanbase this season. Pairing him with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving would create a star trio with injury concerns—but if healthy, they’d be a nightmare for opponents.
3. Detroit Pistons
Detroit’s resurgence has been a feel-good story, but the next step is sustaining success. A blockbuster trade for Zion could be the answer.
The Pistons might not need to sacrifice key pieces to land him, and Williamson would thrive alongside Cade Cunningham’s playmaking. A frontcourt of Zion and Jalen Duren would be unconventional but explosive under coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
4. Chicago Bulls
Zion’s admiration for Michael Jordan and his Jordan Brand ties make this a natural fit.
Chicago is stuck in Play-In purgatory but has a promising foundation with Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis. Adding Zion as "the guy" could elevate the Bulls, giving them a dominant downhill force who benefits from their spacing. Bonus: a potential reunion with Lonzo Ball.
5. Charlotte Hornets
A homecoming story?
Born in Salisbury, N.C., and a standout in nearby Spartanburg, S.C., Zion could return to his roots and revitalize the Hornets. Pairing him with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller would give Charlotte the star power it desperately needs—replacing Miles Bridges with a more dynamic, albeit different, force.
The Verdict
New Orleans faces a pivotal decision: Can Dumars salvage the Zion era, or is a trade inevitable? One thing is certain—wherever Zion lands, the NBA landscape could shift dramatically.
Image - Jesse Johnson-Imagn
