An NBA analyst suggested that the Utah Jazz could pursue Zion Williamson from the New Orleans Pelicans during the upcoming offseason. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed a potential trade scenario between the Jazz and Pelicans, which would involve sending John Collins, Walker Kessler, another promising young player, and a substantial number of Utah’s future draft picks in exchange for Williamson.
Williamson, who had a standout season playing in a career-high 70 games, showcased impressive statistics with averages of 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Despite his strong performance, he missed the 2024 playoffs due to a hamstring injury sustained in a play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pelicans were subsequently eliminated in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Having signed a lucrative five-year, $197 million extension in 2022, Williamson is set to earn $36.7 million in the upcoming season. Bailey acknowledged the lack of specificity in the proposed trade but highlighted the Jazz’s considerable draft assets, suggesting that the Pelicans might entertain the idea of acquiring multiple future picks despite Williamson’s injury history.
Bailey emphasized the Jazz’s readiness to pursue significant acquisitions in the offseason, with Jazz CEO Danny Ainge expressing interest in “big-game hunting.” Pairing Williamson’s dominant inside presence with Lauri Markkanen’s perimeter shooting could create a formidable frontcourt duo for the Jazz, especially if Keyonte George develops into a star playmaker.
Despite Williamson’s impressive career averages of 24.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, injuries have limited his playing time, with him appearing in only 184 games since being drafted in 2019. Bailey noted that the success of any potential trade would hinge on the Pelicans’ confidence in Williamson’s
long-term health, suggesting that additional incoming talent might be necessary to offset the risk associated with his injury history, though acquiring future draft picks could also hold significant value for the Pelicans’ roster-building strategy.
