There’s no question that the New Orleans Pelicans are a much better team when Zion Williamson is available. The 23-year-old had his healthiest season to date in 2023-24 after he played a career-best 70 regular-season games throughout the campaign.
This resulted in the Pelicans clinching the No. 8 seed in a ruthless Western Conference as New Orleans secured just their second playoff berth since in their post-Anthony Davis era.
New Orleans Pelicans Looking to Build Around Zion Williamson
Still, the Pelicans faltered in the first round. This came in the form of an embarrassing opening-round sweep at the hands of the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. At this point, it appears that New Orleans will need to shake up their roster if they want to remain relevant next season.
Building around Williamson should still be the priority for New Orleans. They have a major decision to make on the Brandon Ingram front, who is now entering the final year of his current contract. The Pels could be open to trading away the All-Star forward if they are unable to negotiate an extension.
In the case that the Pelicans explore the trade market, team inside Christian Clark of nola.com reports that the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers could emerge as potential trade partners this summer:
“The Pelicans had contact with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks before the trade deadline in February. Expect those talks to resume this summer. The Cavaliers and Hawks have three All-Star guards between them in Darius Garland, Dejounte Murray and Trae Young who could be available,” Clark wrote.
Dejounte Murray Over Trae Young
Clark goes on to report that while Trae Young might be the bigger fish, it’s actually Dejounte Murray who has piqued the interest of the Pelicans more:
“If the Pelicans reengaged the Hawks, they could look to pry away Murray or Young. Even though Young is the more talented player, the Pelicans seem to hold more interest in Murray, league sources said. The 6-5 Murray is not as much of a defensive liability as the 6-1 Young can be. He is also on a cheaper contract; Murray will make $25.5 million next season, while Young is owed $43 million,” Clark wrote.
That makes a lot of sense. Young is undeniably the bigger name among the two, but it appears that Murray is the better fit for Zion and the Pelicans.
Whether or not New Orleans will be able to make an offer to the Hawks that they cannot resist, however, is an altogether different matter.
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