Let me set the scene. The Pelicans have been one of the NBA‘s most disappointing franchises, making the second round of the playoffs just twice. Before Anthony Davis, they had Chris Paul and couldn’t make it work. In 2019, they landed the No. 1 overall pick, moved on from Davis, and selected the consensus top prospect, Zion Williamson. The franchise looked ready to turn a new leaf. It never happened.
Zion was supposed to change the franchise and become the centerpiece of a rebuild that would bring New Orleans its first championship. Instead, he has played just 276 games in six seasons. While the team showed promise in 2023, they’re back near the bottom of the league after winning only 26 games. It feels like the Zion Williamson experiment is nearing its end. So, which teams are the most likely suitors?
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Charlotte Hornets
Nov 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks on during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Williamson is a North Carolina native. Not only would it be a great story, but he also fits the team’s timeline and goals. The Hornets feel like they’re one player away from becoming a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. With a young core of Knueppel, Ball, and Miller, plus solid depth, adding Williamson could take this team to another level.
He also fills a need in the frontcourt. Charlotte has Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté, but one could easily move into a bench role, strengthening the second unit. Zion’s ability to attack the rim would create easier looks for the team’s shooters.
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The Hornets also have the assets to make a deal happen, making them a legitimate contender in the Zion Williamson sweepstakes.
Chicago Bulls
Sep 23, 2025; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) takes part in media day at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bulls fanbase is desperate for success. The franchise has been stuck in the middle of the pack for years and finally blew up their roster at the trade deadline, leaving the team with cap space, trade assets, and young talent. They also hold the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft and could pair that selection with other assets in a deal for Zion.
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The Bulls already have Matas Buzelis, and multiple reports have linked them to guards like Darius Acuff and Keaton Wagler. With fans pushing for a competitive team, the front office could decide to take a swing at a young player still capable of becoming a star.
A move for Williamson could finally put Chicago on a positive trajectory for the first time in years.
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