Rockets Do Not Have Appropriate Draft Pick To Trade For Zion Williamson

Due to the Pelicans' interest in moving up in the draft for Scoot Henderson, the Houston Rockets do not have the right lottery pick to trade for Zion Williamson.

HOUSTON — Zion Williamson is in trade rumors, and his future with the New Orleans Pelicans appears bleak.

Locked On NBA Host Rafael Barlowe was the first to report the Houston Rockets' interest in the All-Star forward. And given the Rockets' desire to land a big-name player this off-season, it will not be a surprise if Houston tries to enter the sweepstakes should the Pelicans officially make Williamson available. 

Due to their young talents and future draft capital, the Rockets can make an enticing offer to the Pelicans. But obtaining the No. 4 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, Houston's selection has ruined its chances to make a run at Williamson — similar to the way of missing out on an opportunity to land Victor Wembanyama.

According to Marc Stein, New Orleans' interest in moving on from Williamson stems from their yearning to acquire Scoot Henderson during the draft on Thursday. Henderson is a projected top-three pick who will be off the board by the time Houston's fourth selection comes around. 

“Based on what I’m hearing, yes, the Pelicans are legitimately considering… doesn’t mean they would 100 percent do it, but they are considering the prospect of trying to assemble a deal for Charlotte’s No. 2 pick that would feature Zion Williamson.” — Stein.

The Rockets may benefit from not having the right assets to make a run at Williamson. He has been a rising star since entering the NBA as the No. 1 pick in 2019. But injuries have derailed the start of Williamson's pro career. 

He was on the trajectory of an MVP-caliber season at the start of the 2022-23 campaign, but a hamstring injury limited Williamson to 29 games. He has appeared in 114 out of a possible 328 career games since he arrived in New Orleans. He missed all of the 2021-22 season with a foot injury. 

Williamson has averaged 25.8 points on 60.5 percent shooting from the field, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists in his career.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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