The New Orleans Pelicans weren't thinking about a future trade when they won the draft lottery in 2019. All that was on their mind was Zion Williamson's arrival changing the course of their franchise and one day helping them raise a championship banner(s). Little did they know what was coming.
Offseason Zion trade rumors feel like an annual tradition at this point. There is always at least a whisper about his future in New Orleans. That's what happens when you're injury-prone and play for an underachieving team. What has kept Zion with the Pelicans to this point is the kind of player he is when he's healthy (and a lack of strong interest from other teams).