When healthy, Zion Williamson is easily a top 50 player in the NBA. After LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets don’t currently have another player deserving of those same honors.
Possessing the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Hornets could potentially land a player with the upside to develop into an elite talent, but that’s no guarantee. Another way the Hornets could add a star talent next to their former Rookie of the Year is by packaging their top pick in an effort to land a piece who can help Charlotte contend sooner than later.
If the desire to compete right away is more urgent, then the Hornets could weigh their best options ahead of Thursday night’s draft event. One team who keeps popping up in trade rumors to launch up draft boards is the New Orleans Pelicans, who are seeking a point guard of the future.
According to Shams Charania, the Pelicans may even be willing to part with one of their All-Stars to land their top target in the draft. This reportedly includes having Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram in the discussion.
Trade talks for Williamson have heated up in recent times, with the Pelicans reportedly weighing offers last summer. More reports suggest Williamson will be headed out the door later this week.
It may feel like a surprise that the Pels are possibly considering trading their injury-prone face of the franchise, but that’s not even the biggest story here. According to Shams, the Hornets actually prefer a package revolving around Ingram as opposed to one built around Williamson.
It’s a bit of a surprise, as Ingram is 25 and hasn’t played more than 61 games since his rookie season. Meanwhile, Williamson is just 22, but it could be that the Pelicans are ready to move on after just 114 games from their top pick in 2019.
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