With commerce rumors reaching a fever pitch, ESPN insider Jonathan Givony shut down the thought of New Orleans parting with 2019 No. 1 general decide Zion Williamson on Friday.
Per Fox 8 New Orleans, Givony was a visitor on “The Lowe Post” podcast with Zach Lowe and mentioned, “I’ve been told New Orleans is not trading Zion.”
He later added, “That was pretty much shut down to me as a possibility of Zion to Charlotte,” addressing the report from The Athletic on Monday that recommended New Orleans was seeking to commerce up for Scoot Henderson within the 2023 NBA Draft.
Charlotte holds the No. 2 general decide, whereas New Orleans has the No. 14 choice. The hypothesis about Williamson’s availability in a commerce stemmed from a few elements. For one, his lack of availability on a group that’s in any other case constructed to contend has annoyed followers, teammates and the entrance workplace. Second, the Pelicans must half with one thing vital to obtain Charlotte’s decide, and Williamson is probably the group’s largest commerce asset.
Brandon Ingram may additionally match that invoice, however Givony shot down hypothesis he may very well be concerned in a commerce. “There is no interest in trading Brandon Ingram,” he mentioned.
Unless the group cashes out on most (if not all) of its picks acquired within the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday offers, New Orleans is probably going out of the working for Henderson. That may not be a foul factor. Ingram and Williamson proved how good they may very well be final season as New Orleans raced out to a 23-12 file.
Williamson’s well being has prevented him from being as nice as he must be, however he stays a generational expertise with the potential to sway the stability of energy within the NBA. He’s the sort of participant franchises spend years looking for.
Others have speculated on totally different commerce eventualities involving Williamson, however Givony’s feedback recommend New Orleans plans to run it again as a substitute of breaking apart the band.
Denver confirmed this week a affected person method is a viable path to a championship. Injuries compelled Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to overlook vital time in 2021 and 2022, however they have been wholesome this 12 months and the group gained its first title.
The Pelicans could wish to strive that blueprint as a substitute of winging it.
Discussion about this post