New York Knicks fans have been longing for Zion Williamson since his days at Duke, but New Orleans was awarded the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
The Knicks lucked out that year with the No. 3 pick because that’s when New York drafted RJ Barrett. During the 2021-22 season, Barrett solidified himself as the face of the future for the Knicks, while Williamson didn’t play in a single game for the Pelicans due to a fractured foot.
There’s been speculation about Williamson teaming back up with his former Duke teammate in New York via a trade. Williamson is set to make $13.5 million in 2022-23 and has a qualifying offer of $17.6 million for 2023-24.
The 21-year-old is eligible to sign a rookie extension this summer (like Barrett) and he could be offered a deal that’s worth five years and $186 million, which would kick in during the 2023-24 season.
It’ll be interesting to see if he is offered that much because while there’s no doubt that he’s talented, his availability is an understandable concern.
And would Williamson be willing to sign an extension in the first place? Some Knicks fans have been crossing their fingers hoping that he’d want to play elsewhere, like New York City, but he put that talk to rest on Friday.
Zion Williamson says he will sign an extension this summer if it is offered. Said he couldn’t sign it fast enough.
— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) April 29, 2022
Knicks’ dream target Zion Williamson wants to sign an extension with the Pelicans.
The day after New Orleans’ season came to an end with a 115-109 loss to Phoenix in Game 6 of the playoffs, Williamson spoke to the press for the first time since the Pelicans’ media day last September.
Outside of his desire to stay in New Orleans with a contract extension, Williamson also revealed that he felt as if he could’ve played, but the possibility of doing so was ruled out.
Zion said he felt like could’ve played but his team + the coaching staff + the front office decided longevity was the best thing for him.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) April 29, 2022
Although the Suns dealt with injuries of their own, like Devin Booker’s strained right hamstring that kept him sidelined during the series up until Thursday night, Phoenix caught a break from not having to go up against Williamson.
Regardless, the Pelicans proved that they shouldn’t be overlooked. The acquisition of CJ McCollum in February helped to turn New Orleans’ year around.
And although it’s not looking as if Williamson will get to play alongside Barrett in the near future, he’ll get to continue to stick with fellow Blue Devil Brandon Ingram. The two didn’t get to play together at Duke, but they’ve played two seasons together with the Pelicans, and 2022-23 should be the most exciting year yet for New Orleans.
Unless Williamson is bluffing, it’ll be a while before rumors start swirling again about him possibly calling Madison Square Garden his home. There isn’t a reason to believe that he’s going to leave Louisiana anytime soon. And based on the Pelicans’ performance in the playoffs, why would he?
Stan Van Gundy takes warranted shot at Knicks over Zion Williamson trade rumors
Stan Van Gundy, who coached the Pelicans in 2020-21, doesn't foresee Zion Williamson landing on the New York Knicks in the future.