With the NBA draft just over a week away, the Pelicans are rumored to covet combo guard Scoot Henderson, who is expected to go in the top three picks on June 22.
In order to trade into the top three to land Henderson, New Orleans would reportedly consider trading Zion Williamson according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
“I heard from one well-placed observer who is convinced that the Pelicans would indeed consider dealing Williamson away if it meant they could draft Henderson, pointing to a rising level of exasperation within the organization regarding Williamson’s ongoing availability and overall approach,” Stein wrote.
Williamson missed all of last season due to recovery from foot surgery. Even so, New Orleans decided to sign the 2019 No. 1 pick to a five-year, $194.3 million max contract extension. Now, after Williamson played just 29 games this season due to a hamstring injury, it appears that the Pelicans are open to moving on.
New Orleans owns the No. 14 pick in the draft, and pairing that with Williamson and other assets could be enough to land the Pelicans in the top three picks with an opportunity to select Henderson. Stein noted in his story that New Orleans is less inclined to include Brandon Ingram in a deal to move up and pick Henderson.
The Spurs are expected to draft French phenom Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 pick. The Hornets have the No. 2 pick, followed by the Trail Blazers at No. 3.
Williamson is clearly a force when healthy. In his 29 games last season, he averaged 29.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
