Knicks Star #1: Zion Williamson
There are countless articles on reuniting Zion with his Duke teammate RJ Barrett in New York but I think we have room for one more.
Zion Williamson is a player you would consider a generational talent and is quite the unique specimen in the history of this game. LeBron, Curry, Giannis were all well into their prime years when they won the championship. While we don’t know if Zion has reached his apex, it’s clearly evident that he will be a top player in this league for a long time. (As long as he’s healthy, fingers crossed)
With rumors of his unhappiness in New Orleans, the Knicks may be a David Griffin firing away from getting Zion to New York. If Zion decides not to extend with New Orleans (which is unheard of), then the Pelicans will have no choice but to deal him away. But with David Griffin’s alleged piano recital in Zion’s room, it seems like Zion’s days in New Orleans are numbered.
Here’s a package that may allow the Knicks to net Zion Williamson without giving up RJ Barrett:
The Knicks would also give up their 2021 1st Round (CHA), 2022 1st Round (NYK), and 2022 2nd Round (NYK) picks.
The Knicks would give up a huge amount of talent in this trade but that’s been the going price any time a generational talent is traded. If you compare this to what the Lakers had to give up for Anthony Davis, this trade won’t look so bad.
The Pelicans can continue to build around Brandon Ingram with solid players like Julius Randle and Fournier. Obviously, the Pelicans will try their hardest not to trade the very gift they received after Anthony Davis’ untimely departure. But this package of first round picks and plenty of young talent in this trade, it may be just enough to entice the Pelicans to give up on Zion. The leverage will depend on Zion’s decisions.