It feels like we’ve been here before with Zion Williamson and the Pelicans. Another season, another round of questions about his future. Whether it’s injuries, trade rumors, or whispers about him wanting a bigger stage, the noise never seems to stop. 

And with the Pelicans stuck in that awkward space between contending and rebuilding, it’s fair to wonder if they’d actually pull the trigger on moving their most talented, yet most unpredictable, player.

Zion isn’t just another trade chip. Since day one, he’s been must-watch TV — throwing down dunks that defy physics and bullying defenders in ways the NBA hasn't seen in decades. 

But with the injuries piling up and the Pelicans struggling to take the next step, a trade isn’t out of the question. Whether New Orleans decides to hit the reset button or Zion himself wants a fresh start, this could be the offseason where things finally come to a head. 

A Generational Talent

Zion possesses the kind of physical gifts that only come around once in a blue moon. He’s already a two-time All-Star, boasting a career average of 24.6 points per game on about 59% shooting. He can explode off the dribble, bully defenders in the paint, and even distribute the ball when defenses collapse around him. 

The main knock against him has been availability. He missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a foot injury, then battled a hamstring issue that sidelined him for 27 games in 2024-25. When he’s on the court, though, his impact is undeniable — he puts up All-Star numbers and commands constant attention from opposing defenses.

The real debate is whether his long-term durability is enough of a concern to give teams pause. There’s no question about the talent, but can he stay on the floor consistently? For squads looking to take a leap, the potential rewards might far outweigh the risks. After all, players this good don’t come along every day.

Teams That Should Be Interested

San Antonio Spurs

Imagine pairing Williamson with Victor Wembanyama in the Spurs’ frontcourt. You’d have shot-blocking and a nice jump shot on one side, brute strength, pure athleticism, and rim-rattling dunks on the other. 

San Antonio has future picks to spare and a legendary coach in Gregg Popovich who knows how to cultivate superstar talent. Bill Simmons has even singled out the Spurs as a prime destination on his podcast, citing Pop’s track record of maximizing players’ strengths. If the Pelicans want a solid haul of young assets and picks, the Spurs can certainly put something together.

If San Antonio traded for Zion, guess what the reaction in the league would be? ‘Oh s***! Wemby and Zion? Oh no!’

OKC Thunder

No team in the league is hoarding draft picks quite like Oklahoma City. GM Sam Presti has amassed a treasure trove of future first-rounders, positioning the Thunder to make a big splash if the right star becomes available. 

Zion might be that star. Adding him alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a healthy Chet Holmgren could catapult OKC into contention sooner than expected. The Thunder are lacking a true interior bully, and Williamson would fill that role perfectly. If Zion wants a young, exciting core he can grow with, OKC could be the place.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons need a transformative presence to pair with Cade Cunningham. Zion’s inside scoring and Cunningham’s playmaking could develop into one of the top duos in the league. 

The problem is Detroit doesn't have much outside of picks to sweeten a potential deal. They would have to give a massive haul of picks to be able to convince the Pelicans to part ways. 

Still, for a franchise that’s been treading water for a while, taking a swing at a generational talent might be the best way to fast-track their rebuild. Of course, it all hinges on whether Williamson would be open to joining a team that still has a bit of a ways to go.

Charlotte Hornets

If you love highlights, then a LaMelo Ball–Zion Williamson duo might be the stuff of your dreams. LaMelo’s creative passing and Zion’s gravity-defying finishes would make the Hornets a must-watch team on a nightly basis. 

Neither of these guys have much winning experience in the NBA, so adding veteran leadership would be crucial. But there’s no question about the sheer talent and excitement they’d bring to the court together. 

Miami Heat

Pat Riley’s Heat are known for for their culture, and that could be exactly what Zion needs to take his game to the next level. Miami’s system demands discipline and a relentless work ethic — two things that could help keep Williamson healthy and in shape. 

A core of Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Zion could give the Heat an inside-out threat that’s both versatile and potent. They’d need a steady-handed point guard to run the offense, but defensively, this squad would be rock solid.

The real question is whether they have enough assets to put together a trade package that entices New Orleans. Other teams could likely offer a more compelling deal, but Miami’s track record of attracting stars means they’ll almost certainly make a run at it. 

Houston Rockets

Houston might be the sleeper in the Zion sweepstakes. They’ve got promising pieces like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, plus the draft capital to make a real offer. 

Under new head coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets seem poised for a fresh start, and adding Williamson could accelerate that process dramatically. The challenge would be convincing Zion to buy into a more defensive-minded approach. But if he does, watch out — he might finally realize his two-way potential and transform Houston into a contender sooner rather than later.

It’s tough to say how Zion’s game would mesh with Sengun’s, though. Zion thrives on explosiveness and raw athleticism, while Sengun is more methodical and technically sound. They operate in very different ways, but with the right system, they might be able to complement each other rather than clash. 

Will the Pelicans Roll the Dice?

Zion Williamson is a once-in-a-generation player whose talent still outweighs the questions about his health. But for New Orleans, trading him could jumpstart a true rebuild, bringing in a massive haul of picks and young players. 

For the team that lands Zion, it’s a gamble that could redefine a franchise’s trajectory. If he’s healthy and locked in, he can anchor an offense at a championship level. If not, you might find yourself stuck with a high-priced, injury-prone forward. 

If you’re a Pelicans fan, watching the Mavericks trade Luka and then fall apart so quickly, you have to hope that’s not where your franchise is headed. It should also serve as a wake-up call for management — seeing another team make a bold move for a generational talent only to regret it soon after. That’s a scenario you'd think they’ll want to avoid at all costs.