Pelicans eyeing Zion Williamson’s DEPARTURE for potential No. 2 draft pick Scoot Henderson, claims NBA insider

New Orleans Pelicans open to trading Zion Williamson, trade rumors surrounds as NBA Draft uncertainty grows


Pelicans eyeing Zion Williamson’s DEPARTURE for potential No. 2 draft pick Scoot Henderson, claims NBA insider

Zion Williamson and Scoot Henderson

In a surprising turn of events, the New Orleans Pelicans have confirmed that they are open to the possibility of trading their young superstar, Zion Williamson. This revelation comes after weeks of circulating rumors and speculation surrounding the future of the 2019 first-overall pick.

NBA insider Marc Stein was the first to report that sources within the Pelicans organization had revealed their willingness to consider trading Williamson. This marked the first time the team acknowledged the potential availability of their star player. While it does not guarantee a trade will occur, it signals a significant shift in the organization’s thinking.

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In a recent episode of his podcast, The Stein Line, Marc Stein shared further rumors about potential suitors for Zion Williamson. According to Stein, the Charlotte Hornets are actively seeking to assemble a trade package centered around their second-overall pick in exchange for Williamson. Acquiring the second pick would provide the Pelicans with an opportunity to secure the highly regarded prospect, Scoot Henderson, who has been making waves in the G-League and is projected to be a top-three pick in the upcoming draft.

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“Based on what I’m hearing, yes, the Pelicans are legitimately considering… doesn’t mean they would 100 percent do it, but they are considering the prospect of trying to assemble a deal for Charlotte’s No. 2 pick that would feature Zion Williamson.”

Trading Zion Williamson would undoubtedly be a bold move for the Pelicans, as the young forward has showcased his elite skills when healthy. However, recent allegations of infidelity have clouded Williamson’s personal life and potentially influenced the team’s consideration of a trade. It remains to be seen how these off-court developments will impact the Pelicans’ decision-making process.

Related: Zion Williamson’s woes deepen as Pelicans star loses MILLIONS of dollars

The uncertainty surrounding the NBA Draft

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Zion Williamson (image via Cole Burston/Getty Images)

With the NBA draft just around the corner, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the top picks and potential trade scenarios. The San Antonio Spurs are expected to select Victor Wembanyama, a generational talent, with the first overall pick. Beyond that, the draft’s top five prospects are still a mystery.

Reports suggest that several teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, and Detroit Pistons, are open to entertaining trade offers for picks two through five. This openness to trades has created an interesting situation leading up to the draft day, with teams exploring various scenarios to improve their rosters.

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Of particular interest is the Charlotte Hornets, who are reportedly one of the teams most likely to land Scoot Henderson, the sought-after G-League star. However, the Hornets have shown a willingness to trade out of the top three, indicating their openness to exploring potential deals.

Similarly, the Portland Trail Blazers, another team in the mix for Henderson, have expressed their willingness to engage in trade discussions. This adds an additional layer of uncertainty to the draft order and creates an opportunity for teams like the Pelicans to explore trade options to secure their desired prospects.

As the draft approaches, the league is abuzz with anticipation and speculation. The possibility of trade involving Zion Williamson has only heightened the excitement surrounding the event. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the unveiling of draft night trades and the subsequent impact on team rosters.

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