With each day that passes until the 2023 NBA Draught, Zion Williamson’s future with the Pelicans grows more uncertain.
Also Read: Ja Morant suspended for 25 games by NBA after latest IG Live gun incident
On his podcast, Bill Simmons described the Zion situation as a “real, real subplot” as he discussed possible player movement ahead of the draught on Thursday. “I trust that [Zion] won’t be on the team on Thursday,” someone said to me yesterday.
In his three-year NBA career, the frequently injured former top selection has only participated in 114 games, and vice president of New Orleans David Gryphon has claimed that his health issues are “on him”.
All eyes are pointing toward the draft, where the Pelicans have looked to trade up, potentially using Williamson or co-star Brandon Ingram as trade bait to land projected top-three pick, Scoot Henderson.
According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst on the “Hoop Collective Podcast,” “It is extraordinarily out there about how much the Pelicans are interested in Scoot Henderson.” He made sure to point out that this information is so well-known that he is skeptical of any attempts by New Orleans to mislead the league about their true goals.
And rumours may turn out to be little more than that.
The Trailblazers would prefer Williamson over Ingram in exchange for a trade including their third-overall pick, according to NBA insider and colleague podcaster Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer.
Windhorst also said on his Friday podcast that it is “surprising to me how out there it is in the league that the Pelicans are discussing Zion business.”
Whether the Trail Blazers or Hornets, who own the second pick in the draft, have actually discussed Williamson or Ingram isn’t known.
Williamson has also been embroiled in some off the court drama surrounding girlfriend Ahkeema, who is pregnant with the Pelicans star’s daughter, and ex-porn star Moriah Mills — who claims to have been carrying on a relationship with him.
In an effort to contend for a championship rather than rebuild, Portland star Damian Lillard, who is the subject of numerous trade rumors, has made it known that he wants the team’s No. 3 pick transferred.
The Trail Blazers would potentially be able to combo Lillard and Williamson and make a run in the Western conference should Henderson drop to three.
Whatever transpires, Lillard and Williamson will likely be discussed frequently leading up to Thursday’s selection since their fates may be connected.
