Ben Simmons-Zion Williamson Trade Nets And Pelicans Must Consider

I believe the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans should make a trade.
May 3, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) flexes his muscle after making a basket against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
May 3, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) flexes his muscle after making a basket against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Ben Simmons and Zion Williamson have been two of the most disappointing former NBA All-Stars over the last few seasons.

I believe that the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans can help one another out by making a trade.

NBA
Oct 19, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) controls the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Simmons currently has just one more year left on his contract (he will be a free agent this summer).

He is averaging 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per contest while shooting 59.5% from the field in 20 games for Brooklyn.

By acquiring the three-time NBA All-Star, New Orleans would be able to start fresh without Williamson.

Ben Simmons
Jan 6, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) guards Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Nets could also offer the Pelicans protected draft picks as part of this hypothetical deal.

If Simmons proves to be a good fit with their team, the Pelicans would be able to sign him (for much cheaper) this summer.

Otherwise, they can let him walk in free agency and significantly lower their 2025-26 payroll.

On the other side, Williamson is averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 blocks per contest while shooting 45.2% from the field and 33.3% from the three-point range in six games.

The two-time All-Star has been unable to play in a game since November 6.

For the Nets, they could add a star player to their roster (which is notable for a team that plays in New York City).

Right now, the Nets are a franchise that is in rebuilding mode, so Williamson can be out for as long as he needs to get healthy.

At just 24, they can be patient with him for several years.

NBA
Nov 6, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) smiles before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images / Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Williamson and Simmons will be two of the biggest names to watch before the 2024-25 NBA Trade Deadline.


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Ben Stinar
BEN STINAR

Ben Stinar is the NBA reporter for Fastbreak on FanNation.