2024 NBA Trade Deadline: NBA insider breaks down ideal trade package for Warriors to land $197 million All-Star
The Feb. 6 NBA Trade Deadline is still less than two months away, but speculation has already been increasing around the league. Among the subjects of talks are the New Orleans Pelicans.
On Friday, NBA insider Bobby Marks floated the idea of trading Zion Williamson, the two-time NBA All-Star, who signed a five-year $197 million maximum contract extension in 2022. Marks mentioned one particular team that can land the 6'6" forward ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.
"Golden State would be certainly that team there for Zion," Marks declared on ESPN's "NBA Today."
Currently in the second year of his maximum contract, Williamson has a $36.7 cap hit this season. Using ESPN's "Trade Machine," Marks said that the Warriors could match Williamson's salary with the combined salaries of Andrew Wiggins, Brandon Podziemski, and Kevon Looney.
"That works there," Marks said, adding, "So certainly, Golden State if you don't have to give up and you're looking for that potential All Star out there."
Williamson is averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 45.2% shooting this season but has only appeared in six games. The first overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft is currently out with a left hamstring strain, and his return to action is unknown.
The Pelicans' injury woes this season are probably the main factor behind its 5-21 record that is currently dead last in the Western Conference. They have lost nine of their 10 games as coach Willie Green has yet to field a completely healthy roster.
Possible landing spot for Brandon Ingram before NBA Trade Deadline
Marks also explored the San Antonio Spurs as a possible trade partner for New Orleans if the Pelicans trade forward Brandon Ingram before the NBA Trade Deadline.
According to Marks, the Spurs have the financial flexibility and draft picks to pursue Ingram, who is on a $36 million contract this season and will be a free agent next year. He suggested swapping Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, and a 2025 first-round pick (Chicago) for the one-time NBA All-Star.
"That makes the most sense there. The ability to extend him or sign him to a contract in the offseason," Marks added.
Ingram is also part of the Pelicans' injury woes as he is currently sidelined indefinitely with a significant low ankle sprain, ESPN's Shams Charania has reported.
Charania also reported that the Pelicans had discussed trading Ingram in the offseason. With New Orleans looking unlikely to match Ingram's contract extension demands, he is reportedly more likely to be moved before the NBA Trade Deadline than getting a long-term deal.
Currently in his ninth year in the league, Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season. He was drafted by the LA Lakers out of Duke with the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.