This has been another injury-filled season for two-time All-Star Zion Williamson. The New Orleans Pelicans star suffered a hamstring injury in November that sidelined him for two months. But, since his return early this year he has been a dominant force on the court. And it seems his strong finish to the season has re-piqued the interest of some front offices around the NBA.
On Friday, ESPN NBA insider Tim McMahon claimed on the “Hoop Collective” podcast there are teams around the game that would have “significant interest” in a Zion Williamson trade this summer if the Pels wanted to further blow up the roster.
Trade rumors about the young star have persisted for years. However, if it did finally happen this summer, here are five teams that could target the gifted big man.
New York Knicks
This will be an interesting next few months for the New York Knicks. They are one of the best teams in the East and own one of the top records in the league. However, there are big questions about them. Their defense is a problem and they struggle against elite teams. If they were somehow upset in the first-round, heads will roll. That could include being one-and-done with Karl-Anthony Towns if he disappoints in the post season.
Trading one talented forward with an expensive contract for another could be something that intrigues both teams this offseason.
- Zion Williamson stats (2024-25): 24.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Chicago Bulls
After letting DeMar DeRozon walk in free agency and trading Zach LaVine last month, the Chicago Bulls have little left on their team. They are starting from scratch, and doing that with Williamson is possible. They need a new face of the franchise. If Josh Giddey and Lonzo Ball are the secondary players to the talented forward, Chicago could compete for a playoff spot next season.
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Minnesota Timberwolves
Julius Randle has been up and down in his first season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Barring a deep run in the Western playoffs — very unlikely — they will probably look to move on from him. Swapping the three-time All-Star for Zion Williamson could be considered. New Orleans gets a good but far lesser player with a better contract. The ‘Wolves get a legit second young superstar to pair with Anthony Edwards. But there’s those old injury demons.
- Zion Williamson contract: Five years, $197.2 million
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons have been one of the best stories in the NBA this season. After being the worst team in the NBA last year, they have a real chance to avoid the play-in tourney in the East. However, they are far from complete and need a running mate for Cade Cunningham. They have the players and draft assets to get a deal done. A Cunningham and Williamson combo could be dynamite in 2025-26.
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Toronto Raptors
It just feels like Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri is bound to make a blockbuster trade sooner than later. Going after Williamson would make a lot of sense. If he was willing to take a chance on Kawhi Leonard and his injury drama in 2018, he could certainly go after the young star if he believes he is the piece to get them back into Finals contention.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings seem headed to a blowup of the team that stunned the NBA two seasons ago. Mike Brown is out as head coach. They traded De’Aaron Fox in February. And there is talk of Domantas Sabonis having conversations with the organization about their future this summer. Moving the center and some picks for Williamson would complete their roster make over and they can go forward with Williamson and Zach LaVine next season.