Mock Trade: Hornets Acquire Zion Williamson From Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to trade up into the top three of the 2023 NBA Draft Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Monday.
With that news coming out, we formulated a mock trade between the Pelicans and the Charlotte Hornets centered around the No. 2 pick and Brandon Ingram.
Today, we'll be doing the same but with the deal headlined by Zion Williamson. Tomorrow we'll look at what a trade between the two could look like with only draft picks/role players being involved.
What Charlotte is getting:
Acquiring Williamson is a bit more risky than trading for Ingram, in my opinion. The injury concerns are real and you don’t want to be stuck with an expensive long-term contract while you watch the No. 2 pick, on a much cheaper deal, excel. If Zion can stay healthy though, it’s a move that would certainly shove the Hornets up into a more competitive tier in the Eastern Conference.
I nearly went with a first in 2024 instead of No. 14 for Charlotte but that ‘24 pick probably won’t be nearly as high.
With Williamson coming in, I imagine they opt to re-sign PJ Washington and let Miles Bridges walk in free agency.
What New Orleans is getting:
Hayward was also included yesterday’s mock trade involving Ingram, so no need to dive deep into it again. If Hayward plays 50+ games, it’s a win for New Orleans.
More importantly, the Pelicans don’t have to part with as many assets with Zion in the deal.
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