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Jun 28, 2023

NBA Rumors: This Thunder

One NBA writer is proposing that the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City

One NBA writer is proposing that the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder pull off a blockbuster trade this summer involving Zion Williamson.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Thunder trade Chet Holmgren, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2026 first-round pick to the Pelicans for Williamson.

"Let's get crazy," Swartz wrote. "If there was ever a team willing to gamble away draft picks on a talent like Williamson, it's this Thunder squad who has eight extra first-round selections coming from previous trades.

The goal for the Thunder would be to pull off a successful gamble on Williamson's health long-term. If it pans out, the combination of talent with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, along with the rest of their young core, would be fascinating.

"If Williamson can stay healthy, the trio of him, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey could quickly become one of the NBA's best," Swartz wrote. "Mix in Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Ousmane Dieng, Kenrich Williams, Jaylin Williams and others and this OKC team is a lock for the West playoffs next year."

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates

The Pelicans would be choosing to move on from Williamson after continuing to gamble on his health and failing. While Chet Holmgren would come as a risk in his own right after missing his whole rookie season, the risk taken would be that his physical profile is more sustainable.

"For a New Orleans franchise that's watched Williamson play more than 29 games just once in four years, moving him while there's still value is the safest play," Swartz wrote. "Holmgren missed all of last season with a foot injury, but there's no conditioning or weight issues to worry about moving forward. The Pelicans also pick up two future unprotected first-round picks, giving them lots of trade options."

Williamson has only played in 114 NBA games since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft out of Duke. The All-Star played in 24 games his rookie year and 61 games his sophomore year. Williamson missed his entire third year and appeared in just 29 games this season.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates

When he's been on the court, Williamson has been a stud. The North Carolina native has career averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Williamson signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with the Pelicans in July 2022.

Holmgren didn't play at all this season due to a Lisfranc injury. He was the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

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