Zion Williamson's trade value is reportedly minimal, with teams only willing to offer bad contracts and little to no draft compensation due to concerns over his health, conditioning, and off-court issues.
The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly have no untouchable players on their roster as they explore trade options this offseason. However, the name that continues to surface in rumors is star forward Zion Williamson.
Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson
MIN: 28.58
PTS: 24.57 (59.55%)
REB: 7.2
As: 5.3
ST: 1.23
BL: 0.9
TO: 3
GM: 30
According to Shamit Dua of In The N.O. podcast, league executives don't see much trade value in Williamson. Teams around the league view him as a risky asset—one whose return in a trade would likely consist of bad contracts and possibly no draft picks.
Even if a team does include a pick, it would likely be a late one. The only teams willing to take a chance on him would need to be both desperate and indifferent to the reputational baggage he brings.
A hypothetical example floated was a deal involving Andrew Wiggins and Duncan Robinson in exchange for Williamson and some filler salary.
Concerns about Williamson stem from issues with his durability, conditioning, and off-court behavior that have followed him since he was selected as the league's No. 1 overall pick in 2019.
Credit AP/Scanpix
While his talent is undeniable—he averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 30 games this past season—he once again struggled to stay on the court. A hamstring strain and a late-season back injury caused him to miss over half the year.
Williamson's availability has been inconsistent throughout his career: 29 games as a rookie, 61 in his second year, none in his third, 29 in 2022–23, a career-high 70 last season, and 30 games this year.
He is set to enter the third year of a five-year, $197 million contract extension next season.
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