Offseason trade proposal sends Zion Williamson to Wizards

March 27, 2025

One NBA analyst proposed that the Washington Wizards trade for New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson this offseason.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Wizards and Pelicans:

Washington Wizards Receive: PF Zion Williamson

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Marcus Smart, SF Corey Kispert, G Kyshawn George, 2030 first-round pick (top-20 protected via Golden State Warriors)

“There’s not much to get excited about for Wizards fans this season, as even their first-round picks from 2024 don’t look anywhere close to becoming future stars,” Swartz wrote. “If Washington doesn’t land a top-three pick in the 2025 draft, bringing in a talent like Williamson would create a buzz in the nation’s capital. If the Wizards can find their franchise point guard in the draft, pairing them with Williamson, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington and Jordan Poole would finally be a core worth getting invested in.”

Williamson has appeared in 30 games for the Pelicans this season. The first pick in the 2019 NBA Draft is averaging 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 will make $39,446,090 next season, $42,166,510 in 2026-27 and $44,886,930 in 2027-28, the final year of his contract.

Williamson has career averages of 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He’s played in 214 games since entering the NBA.

The Pelicans have made the playoffs twice since drafting Williamson.

However, Williamson has never appeared in a postseason game due to injuries.

According to NBA insider Tim MacMahon of ESPN, several teams would have significant interest in a Williamson trade if the Pelicans make him available.

NBA reporter Michael C. Wright of ESPN also reported in February that Williamson was at his lightest weight since getting drafted by the Pelicans.

“I remember Bobby (Marks) and I wrote a story just before Zion’s return discussing what might come next for him, his trade value and market potential,” MacMahon said. “Someone told us then that the goal was to ramp him up and restore his value, whether for the Pelicans or another team. To his credit, he’s handling that first part well. Some teams would have significant interest.”