Report: Zion Williamson to be pursued by multiple NBA teams as Pelicans head to lottery

Pelicans star Zion Williamson has been making the headlines lately after reports of a possible off-season trade move have emerged.

Report: Zion Williamson to be pursued by multiple NBA teams as Pelicans head to lottery

Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson, a two-time All-Star, has had yet another injury-filled season. The New Orleans Pelicans star had a hamstring injury in November that kept him out for two months. However, since his return earlier this year, he continues to be an imposing presence on the court. His impressive finish to the season appears to have sparked the eye of some NBA head offices.

The Pelicans are heading into the NBA lottery after having an unsuccessful NBA season by their standards. Ever since they acquired Williamson, they expected him to deliver for their roster, but he did not live up to expectations. Now, on the “Hoop Collective” podcast on Friday, ESPN NBA analyst Tim McMahon had some important news around Williamson.

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He stated that there are teams around the league that would have “significant interest” in a Zion Williamson deal this summer. That is if the Pelicans chose to blow up the squad. In addition, trade speculations concerning the rising star have been circulating for years.

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The approaching off-season marks a watershed moment in the organization’s destiny. Teams like the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly keeping an eye on this situation.

The leadership must decide how much commitment is required to support a player in this case. In his presence, when fully engaged, Williamson has the potential to revolutionize the league’s dynamics. Establishing a framework that promotes both health and responsibility is critical to fulfilling the potential of his gift.

Williamson’s visions of ability on the court were offset by challenges with consistency and discipline. While the team has adjusted his playing time to fit his physical limitations, off-court troubles have also impacted his availability.

Zion Williamson dropped an insane triple-double against the Clippers

The Pelicans won their 18th game of the year on March 11. Thanks to outstanding forward Zion Williamson’s triple-double effort. He recorded 22 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. Williamson accumulated his stats in only 32 minutes of on-court action. Williamson’s effort marked his second triple-double in his NBA career.

His first one of this season came on February 27, when he scored 27 points, 11 assists, and ten rebounds in a win over the Phoenix Suns. After the match, the Pelicans awarded Williamson the Player of the Game. This showcases that there is immense talent in him if he can stay fit and healthy.

Zion Williamson shed some light on his recent performance with the Pelicans

Zion Williamson had one of his best games of the season against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 11. The Pelicans nearly lost a 21-point advantage in the first half as the Clippers botched 13 of their first 14 3-point attempts. But New Orleans regained the lead deep in the third quarter and held off the Clippers, owing in large part to Williamson.

He had 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the fourth quarter, energizing the crowd with one critical play after another. After the game, Williamson shared his views on his performance against the Clippers.

Once I found that rhythm, I just kind of got in that zone. I’d come too far to lose this game.

Zion Williamson said
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Since the trade deadline, he’s averaged 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. These are his per-game stats while shooting 62 percent from the floor in just 29 minutes per game. Even more impressively, he has appeared in every match in that stretch except three, all of those being the subsequent legs of back-to-backs.