Rockets Exploring Trade For Pelicans' All-Star Zion Williamson?

Due to the Pelicans' willingness to trade up in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets have been linked in trade rumors for Pelicans All-Star forward, Zion Williamson.

HOUSTON — Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone has expressed interest in adding veteran players this off-season. And with a lottery pick as high as four, the Rockets have their eyes set on making a run at an All-Star caliber player who could be on the market.

Most trade rumors have had the Rockets using their lottery pick, and perhaps the No. 20 selection for Boston Celtics' All-Star forward Jaylen Brown. But could the Rockets find their trade partner in the Big Easy with the New Orleans Pelicans?

The 2023 NBA Draft is eight days away. According to Locked On NBA Host Rafael Barlowe, the draft analyst has "heard" trade talks centered around Houston and All-Star forward Zion Williamson.

"In my conversations, the name Zion Williamson has come up as a potential trade target for Houston. The Rockets hold the No. 4 pick in the draft, are already one of the youngest teams in the league and are potentially interested in moving the pick for a win-now player (or players)." — Barlowe

Williamson has been a rising star since he entered the NBA as the No. 1 pick in 2019. He averaged 26.0 points on 60.8 percent shooting from the floor, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists during the 2022-23 season. Unfortunately, injuries derailed an MVP-caliber campaign.

Williamson played in 29 games last season and 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. 

Due to low expectations and a rocky relationship, the Pelicans could move Williamson this offseason. But the chances of the Rockets landing the former Duke phenom is slim.

The Athletic was the first to report the Pelicans' interest in trading up for G League ignite prospect Scoot Henderson and suggested that trade talks could center around Williamson.

For New Orleans to secure a draft selection of Henderson, they must trade up to the No. 2 or No. 3 pick, which would make the Rockets the odd-man out. 

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