NBA Trade Rumors: Zion Williamson Moves To Memphis in Proposed Trade

So it seems like firing head coach Taylor Jenkins hasn't yet resolved the Memphis Grizzles' problem of struggling against top teams. They were absolutely destroyed on Sunday at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. After the 51-point drubbing, they may already be thinking about next year.

Would the Grizzlies be looking at, in addition to finding a new head coach, making a huge trade to bring in a splashy new addition like Zion Williamson?

That's what Bailey Bassett of Clutch Points has proposed, in a trade that would finally see the New Orleans Pelicans move on from the oft-injured star.

The hypothetical deal would look like this:

Memphis Grizzlies receive:

Zion Williamson

New Orleans Pelicans receive:

Desmond Bane
2027 first-round pick

Pairing up the explosive (when healthy) Williamson with the equally dynamic Ja Morant would be a sight to see, and "would be a scary thought for opposing defenses, few of which would have the personnel to slow the duo down," notes Bassett.

However, how much those two would actually be on the court together could be another question altogether, as Morant played just 59 games total the past two seasons, while Zion... well, you know the story. He's only been available for 45% of the Pelicans' games over the course of his six years in the league.

But when Williamson has been on the court? He's averaged 24.7 points per game for his career. It's an enticing thought.

Bane has had a great run in Memphis, averaging over 21 points per game over the last three seasons. His excellent three-point shooting has been a great complement to Morant, and that the Grizzlies would miss.

As Bassett writes, this would be "a high-risk, high-reward move for the Grizzlies."

For the Pelicans, getting the consistent scorer plus a near-future first-round pick would be a pretty nice way to move forward with their rebuild. Though it should be noted that Bane has missed 82 games himself over the past three years—one entire season's worth.

Also interesting to watch on New Orleans' side of this potential deal, is if they are able to land the first pick in this year's draft lottery next month. Cooper Flagg of Duke, the consensus No. 1 pick, plays the same power forward position that Zion does, making the need to finally cut bait on Williamson even more of a no-brainer.