Who would've expected former first-overall pick Zion Williamson's career trajectory to trend downward following a sensational 24 games as a rookie and an All-Star sophomore season averaging 27.0 points while shooting 61.0 percent from the floor?
If not for a rash of injuries, Williamson would be one of the best players in the NBA. It's not up for debate; the 6-foot-6, 280-pound wrecking ball is unlike anything we've ever seen from an NBA player. While Charles Barkley is an apt comparison, Williamson's awe-inspiring athleticism at his size had never been seen before. The New Orleans Pelican forward threw down monstrous jams, came out of nowhere to swat three-point attempts, and bullied his way to the rim with unparalleled strength.
However, despite Williamson's unteachable gifts, the 24-year-old's future is already up for discussion as health concerns pile on. The Duke product has appeared in a mere 190 of 423 possible games. For reference, Chicago Bulls guard Coby White, who was drafted six spots after Williamson, has appeared in double the contests as Zion. Although he's young, even the same age as several 2024 draftees, Williamson's body just hasn't held up.
Williamson has dealt with a meniscus injury, a fractured foot, a quad injury, more foot injuries, and most recently, a hamstring strain throughout his abbreviated career. Amid his injury-ravaged career, the Pelicans still felt confident in their superstar, signing him to a five-year, near $200 million extension in the summer of 2022. With the enormous contract came unprecedented escape clauses and several weight and appearance-based criteria for Williamson to hit to guarantee his salary.
Although Zion's injury history will certainly scare away suitors, his contract is enticing. The Pelicans, or any team that would later acquire Williamson, could part ways with the two-time All-Star without having his $39 million-plus salary on the books if he doesn't meet said requirements. Therefore, at such a young age and possessing an inordinate amount of talent, Williamson is a prime candidate to be traded by the 5-28 Pelicans.
A LaVine-for-Williamson swap isn't out of the question
ESPN's Bobby Marks and Tim McMahon discussed several potential suitors, including the Chicago Bulls, in a recent depiction weighing Williamson's future. In the article, ESPN provided a quote from an NBA GM, stating, "I bet Chicago would do that," referencing a trade revolving around Chicago's Zach LaVine and Williamson.
The trade, in question, is a simple swap, including LaVine for Williamson and several minimum-level contracts to satisfy financial requirements. While the trade is financially acceptable, the GM later lamented that he'd decline the offer if he were running the Pelicans. As of now, that's justifiable, however, if Williamson continues to miss a bevy of games, New Orleans may be out of luck finding a player as valuable as LaVine, who's averaging 22.0 points while draining 44.7 percent of his threes.
Regardless of New Orleans' future intentions, it's intriguing to hear speculations of a LaVine-for-Williamson swap in league circles. Although injury-plagued himself, the 29-year-old swingman has nowhere near the durability concerns of Williamson. Realistically, the only thing holding back rival teams from acquiring LaVine is his sizeable contract.
Nevertheless, Williamson falls in the same boat, considering his lack of availability. The difference is that LaVine's contract, similar to most of the NBA's stars, is fully guaranteed. Williamson, on the other hand, is the enticing asset that he is because of the non-guaranteed clauses in his contract. Furthermore, if Williamson miraculously stays healthy, as he did a season ago, he will once again become an invaluable asset to a contending team.
Although it's merely hypotheticals at this point, it wouldn't hurt for Chicago to engage New Orleans in trade talks surrounding Williamson. Following several mediocre seasons, it's evident that changes need to be made to the Bulls' roster. If somehow, Chicago comes away with the 6-foot-6 superstar, things may trend upwards in the Windy City—barring a continued rash of injuries to the former first-overall pick.