NBA Trade Buzz: Could Zion Williamson Be the Wizards' Next Big Swing?
When a team makes a bold trade, it’s not just about the players-it’s about philosophy. The Washington Wizards made that clear earlier this season when they went out and got Trae Young.
For a franchise in the middle of a rebuild, it was an eyebrow-raising move. But it also sent a message: Washington is willing to roll the dice on elite offensive talent, even if that talent comes with baggage-whether that’s injury history, contract concerns, or league-wide skepticism.
Now, there’s chatter that the Wizards might not be done.
Enter Zion Williamson.
According to reporting from Josh Robbins of The Athletic, league sources have floated Williamson’s name as someone Washington would “have to consider if the price is right.” It’s far from a sure thing-Robbins called it an “extreme long shot”-but it’s come up often enough in league circles to merit attention. The Wizards reportedly aren’t keen on parting with their own premium first-rounders, but they do hold the rights to a handful of picks from other teams, which could be enough to make something happen.
So let’s talk through a trade concept that checks boxes for both sides.
Proposed Trade:
Washington Wizards receive:
- Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans receive:
- Khris Middleton
- Cam Whitmore
- Will Riley
- 2031 First-Round Pick (Top-10 Protected - via WAS)
Why the Pelicans Might Pull the Trigger
Let’s start with the obvious: Zion Williamson is still a special talent. When he’s on the court, he’s productive-averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists this season while doing most of his damage inside the arc.
But that “when he’s on the court” part continues to be the sticking point. Availability has been the defining factor of his NBA career, and with two years left on a max deal north of $42 million per season, the Pelicans are running out of time to decide if he’s part of their future-or a roadblock to it.
The fit with rookie big man Derik Queen hasn’t helped. Both players are interior-focused, both need the ball to be effective, and neither is a defensive anchor.
It’s a redundancy that limits lineup flexibility and muddies the developmental path for Queen, who cost the Pelicans serious draft capital. Moving Zion would clear the runway for Queen and simplify the team’s offensive identity.
Then there’s the return. Cam Whitmore and Will Riley may be works in progress-Whitmore’s decision-making has been erratic, and Riley’s shooting hasn’t caught up to the NBA level just yet-but both are high-upside wings who fit the modern game. Add in Khris Middleton’s $33.3 million expiring contract, and New Orleans gains not just young talent, but financial flexibility heading into the offseason.
A top-10 protected first-rounder in 2031 isn’t a blockbuster asset on its own, but in combination with the rest of the package, it gives the Pelicans a cleaner cap sheet, more roster balance, and a clearer direction. For a team that’s struggled to find consistency-despite Zion’s flashes-that clarity could be worth more than another year of waiting.
Why the Wizards Might Go for It
Let’s be honest: pairing Trae Young and Zion Williamson doesn’t scream “defensive juggernaut.” But if you zoom out, the potential upside starts to come into focus.
If Washington pulled this off, they’d have essentially turned CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert, Khris Middleton, Cam Whitmore, Will Riley, and a protected first-round pick into Trae Young and Zion Williamson-all in one season. That’s a massive talent infusion, especially for a team that’s been stuck in the NBA’s middle tier (or worse) for years.
The defense will be a challenge, no doubt. But the Wizards can build around that.
Bilal Coulibaly is already showing signs of being a plus defender on the wing, and rookie Alex Sarr brings rim protection and switchability. Surrounding Young and Williamson with length, athleticism, and defensive versatility could be the key to unlocking a competitive roster.
And offensively? A Trae-Zion pick-and-roll would be nightmare fuel for opposing defenses.
Young’s ability to stretch defenses with his shooting and playmaking, combined with Zion’s downhill force and finishing touch, would create one of the most dangerous two-man games in the league. It’s the kind of offensive gravity that warps defenses and opens up opportunities for everyone else.
Timing also matters. The Wizards are 10-35, dead last in the East.
There’s no rush to win now. Young hasn’t even suited up for Washington yet, and head coach Brian Keefe has said he’ll be re-evaluated after the All-Star break.
That gives the team time to evaluate, experiment, and build toward something bigger in 2026-27.
This isn’t a move for certainty-it’s a swing for the fences. And when you’re rebuilding, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
What This Would Mean for Zion-and the Pelicans
Drafting Derik Queen despite his overlap with Zion was a signal. Whether it was a contingency plan or just a “best player available” pick, it hinted that New Orleans was at least open to a future without Williamson.
And now, that future might be arriving.
Despite public reports that Zion isn’t on the trade block, league insiders have expressed doubts. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are 10-36 and sitting at the bottom of the West.
Even with Zion producing, the team hasn’t found a rhythm. That kind of stagnation tends to force tough decisions.
Washington, on the other hand, has shown a willingness to take on long-term money if it comes with upside. They’ve already made one big bet with Trae Young.
Zion would be another. But when you’re trying to rebuild in a league where elite talent is nearly impossible to acquire, sometimes the best move is to take the risk others won’t.
Bottom Line
This trade would give both teams something they desperately need.
For New Orleans, it’s structure, flexibility, and a clean slate. For Washington, it’s star power, potential, and a path out of irrelevance.
Neither franchise is fully defined right now. But a move like this? It would force the issue-and maybe, just maybe, change the trajectory of both.