Offseason trade proposal sends Zion Williamson to Hornets: ‘The idea of a LaMelo Ball-Zion two-man game is enticing’

April 14, 2025

One NBA analyst proposed that the Charlotte Hornets acquire Zion Williamson from the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason.

Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Hornets and Pelicans:

Miles Bridges, Tidjane Salaün, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2028 first-round pick for Zion Williamson

The Pelicans fired David Griffin on Monday. Griffin drafted Williamson with the first pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

“The idea of a LaMelo Ball-Zion two-man game is enticing,” Bailey wrote. “The lobs would be electrifying. And Ball’s mega-high-volume outside shooting would be a solid complement to Williamson’s ability to dominate the paint. Assuming decent health (a bold assumption for both Zion and LaMelo, to be sure), a team with those two, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams could be pushing for the playoffs or play-in as early as 2025-26.

“For New Orleans, Miles Bridges’ deal ends a year earlier than Zion’s and pays him about half as much per year. That’s real savings and flexibility. It would also get a flier on a young wing with size in Tidjane Salaün. And again, given Williamson’s checkered history with injuries, getting multiple picks for him should feel like a win.”

Williamson appeared in 30 games for the Pelicans this season. He averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 56.7% from the field and 65.6% from the free-throw line.

A two-time All-Star, Williamson has career averages of 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 214 games.

The Pelicans signed Williamson to a five-year, $197 million extension in 2022. Williamson will make $39,446,090 next season, $42,166,510 in 2026-27 and $44,886,930 in 2027-28, the final season of his contract.

Charlotte and New Orleans missed the playoffs this season. Ball and Williamson haven’t reached the postseason yet.

Trades can happen once the 2025 NBA Finals end. It will be interesting to see if the Pelicans move on from Williamson this offseason. The lefty hasn’t lived up to the hype of being a No. 1 overall pick.