On Friday morning, ESPN insider Brian Windhorst wrote that, despite the structure of Zion Williamson's non-guaranteed contract, his trade value "isn't super high." A rival executive echoed the same sentiment, stating that the New Orleans Pelicans' best course of action could be a "win-now trade," rather than a Zion trade.
Should the Pelicans keep Zion and make another trade to improve their chances of winning? That's the question.
New Orleans can't tank for a top pick in the 2026 draft, thanks to the front office's decision to send their pick to the Hawks. The Pelicans also sent the Pacers back their 2026 top-four protected first-round pick in June, before Tyrese Haliburton got hurt.