NBA monitoring Zion Williamson trade situation closely after ‘offseason drama’
Zion Williamson’s time in New Orleans could be cut short amid the fallout from the drama in his personal life.
Teams around the NBA are keeping a close eye on whether the Pelicans would make Williamson available ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft next week in an attempt to move up from the No. 14 spot, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
During a Wednesday appearance on “Get Up,” Windhorst said New Orleans “really would like to move up” in the draft as the team is potentially hunting a star-caliber player, such as Scoot Henderson.
The cost of moving up for Henderson would be steep.
“The Pelicans have had some cursory discussions from what I’ve been told,” Windhorst said. “There haven’t been any offers made necessarily yet, but it makes you really not take too far of a leap to wonder… and the league is certainly wondering if the Pelicans are going to make for the first time truly Zion Williamson available ahead of next week’s draft.”
Windhorst also mentioned how Williamson’s injury history, and how the former first-overall pick has been immersed in “offseason drama” — seemingly referring to adult film star Moriah Mills alleging Williamson had sexual relations with her a week before announcing he is expecting a baby with his apparent girlfriend, Ahkeema.
Windhorst’s report came after The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Wednesday that New Orleans could consider moving Williamson in a trade to acquire the highly-touted prospect, Henderson.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst discussed Zion Williamson and the Pelicans on “Get Up” on June 14, 2023. Twitter/Get Up
The Pelicans are going after Henderson, who they view as a potential franchise guard and culture builder, according to Charania.
New Orleans is reportedly having conversations with the Hornets about potentially getting Charlotte’s No. 2 pick in the draft.
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans brings the ball up court during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on December 31, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. Getty Images
However, the Hornets are apparently high on Henderson, who averaged 16.5 points and 6.8 assists last season with the G League Ignite, as well.
Charlotte hosted Henderson for a pre-draft workout on Sunday.
Charania also questioned if the Pelicans will “look hard internally” at moving Williamson in a pre-draft deal, as their core has been unable to stay healthy.
Scoot Henderson #0 of the G League Ignite dribbles the ball during an NBA G League game against the Raptors 905 at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre on March 6, 2023 in Mississauga, Ontario. NBAE via Getty Images
Williamson missed the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring strain on Jan. 2.
The former Duke star signed a five-year, $193 million rookie max contract with escalators up to $231 million in July 2022.
He missed the entire 2021-22 season recovering from a surgically repaired right foot fracture.
Source: New York Post
