Zion Williamson is not playing, but he continues to appear in transfer rumours. The Knicks often come up in discussions, and a major deal between the Pelicans and the Big Apple could unblock things. Six players could be given in exchange by NY! We take stock.
Among the big absentees from this 2021-22 campaign, it is probably the most high-sounding name of all. Zion Williamson shouldn’t play all season, due to a lingering foot injury and worrying weight concerns. Not really enough to calm the situation around him, given that trade rumors about him are rife. Given the abysmal level of play offered by New Orleans, seeing him stay long seems unlikely.
However, when one evokes the case of the interior, difficult not to approach the question of the rumors surrounding the Knicks. It’s no secret that many would dream of seeing him play at Madison Square Garden on a regular basis. The player himself does not hide that he would love the opportunity to go there. His last retweet also ignited the web ! In addition to that, NY has just made a nice move by recovering Cam Reddish, his former teammate at Duke and his great friend. A warning sign?
Julius Randle, Obi Toppin and draft picks against Zion Williamson
However, it will not be easy to change the minds of the leaders of the Bayou, who remain convinced that they can succeed with Monstar as a franchise player. New York must therefore be convincing, and not hesitate to send heavy in return. That’s good, they have several rather interesting interiors, which would allow NOLA to repopulate… as well as a good package of draft choices:
- The Knicks receive : Zion Williamson
- The Pelicans receive : Julius Randle, Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, first-round picks 2022, 2023 & 2025
Failing to still have their superstar in position 4, the Louisiana franchise would get a whole new rotation among the strong wingers. Less prominent than last year, the ex-Laker still runs over 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists on average. Not uninteresting when you know that the Pels also lack a creator, in which case an interior knowing how to distribute turns out to be very useful. Toppin and Quickley would also bring a nice offensive strike force off the bench as well as low salaries.
Note, however, that Randle cannot be traded before February, having re-signed during the summer of 2021. In addition, his contract remains superior to that of Zion, which is why some tinkering will certainly be necessary. That being said, New Orleans has enough to cash in on the salary… What is certain is that the arrival of Williamson would be an earthquake for the Knickerbockers. Imagine it being a hit with RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier & co. is quite exciting, provided he finally returns to the courts.
Zion Williamson vs. Julius Randle et al? Not necessarily so crazy as an idea, the value of the Pelican being difficult to assess because of its prolonged absence. The men of the Bayou would in any case have to start a new reconstruction, having acquired young talent and a lot of assets for the draft.
