NBA trade rumors: Stephen A. Smith drops bombshell report on Zion Williamson's New Orleans Future
Zion Williamson is halfway through his fifth NBA season but has only appeared in 52% of the New Orleans Pelicans' regular season games, making him a target of speculation by fans and NBA experts. During Tuesday's episode of "First Take," Stephen A. Smith revealed inside information, saying that Williamson wants to leave New Orleans via a trade now or in free agency.
According to Smith, Williamson is unhappy in New Orleans and is ready to play for a new team.
“Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t want to be there," Smith said. "He wants to be in a major market like L.A., New York or whatever because he wants the marketability.”
Williamson returned to action on Jan. 7 after being sidelined for almost two months with a left hamstring strain. He has only played in eight of New Orleans' 40 games this year. His availability has always been an issue and he has also been suspended for one game by the Pelicans for being late to a flight. His injury history and recent behavior could be why the Pelicans want to move him as much as he wants to leave the team.
The Pelicans play in one of the smaller markets in the NBA, but Zion's personality and playing style have made him one of the most watched players in the league. However, New Orleans has not received plenty of national media attention as their counterparts in bigger cities, especially when the team is struggling.
Where could Zion Williamson end up if the Pelicans do decide to move him before the trade deadline?
Williamson is in the second year of his five-year $197 million contract that lasts through the 2027-2028 season, according to Spotrac. His contract makes it tricky to trade him before the deadline, especially for the big market teams who don't have flexibility. However, three teams have emerged as potential destinations for Williamson: the Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers.
If Williamson wants to play meaningful basketball this season, the Pistons will give him the best chance as they are eighth in the East with a 21-19 record while the Hornets and Trail Blazers are at the bottom of their conferences.
Detroit has the contracts to match Williamson's in Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart, as well as draft capital to entice New Orleans, potentially sending two firsts and two second rounders for him.