Many people are wondering what’s next for the New Orleans Pelicans.
After another disappointing season that came up short, some analysts and insiders imagine a scenario in which the Pelicans trade away some of their biggest stars soon, up to and including Zion Williamson.
But JJ Redick doesn’t think New Orleans should make that drastic move just yet.
“[The Pelicans] are not that far away with a healthy Zion. He’s that good,” Redick said on Wednesday’s First Take.
“The only way I’m considering trading Zion Williamson is if I know right now in mid-June that he’s not in shape,” he added.
.@jj_redick weighs in on Zion Williamson’s future in New Orleans:
“[The Pelicans] are not that far away with a healthy Zion. He’s that good. … I think he’s a generational talent when he’s on the basketball court. … If he’s in shape, I’m not moving him.” pic.twitter.com/LdTaxPrXV1
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 14, 2023
Current rumors say that the Pelicans could trade Williamson away from the team before next week’s draft as a way to move higher up in the draft order.
But Redick said he doesn’t understand why the Pelicans would trade one “generational talent” for another.
Like many, Redick believes that Williamson can still be one of the best players in the league, as long as he remains healthy.
But that’s the tricky thing about Williamson: his health is constantly a question mark.
Williamson was looking great in the latest season until he was once again injured and missed the rest of the season.
With Williamson out, the Pelicans plummeted.
At this point, the front office is surely tired of losing Williamson but they might not be willing to give up on him just yet.
Or they may think they should trade him while he still has value on the market.
Will he still get them a big haul next season if he is hurt yet again?
The Pelicans are weighing their options and looking at their long-term future.
Williamson may or may not be a part of it.
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Analyst Says It’s Time For Pelicans To Move On From Zion Williamson