Could Zion Williamson Be a Trade Target for the Wizards? League Buzz Suggests It's Not Off the Table
Zion Williamson’s name is back in the trade rumor mill - and this time, it’s being loosely tied to the Washington Wizards.
According to league sources, the Wizards would have to at least consider a move for the Pelicans’ star forward - if the price is right. That’s a big “if,” but with Washington fresh off acquiring Trae Young from Atlanta in what many around the league are calling a low-risk, high-upside swing, it’s not hard to see why Williamson is being floated as a potential next target.
Let’s be clear: a Zion-to-D.C. deal is a long shot. But it’s a long shot that’s being whispered about by enough league insiders that it’s worth paying attention to.
The Pelicans have reportedly made it known they’re not looking to move Williamson - or young core pieces like Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, or Jeremiah Fears. But when it comes to Zion specifically, there’s some skepticism around the league about how firm that stance really is. And given the Pelicans’ current position at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, it’s fair to wonder whether a major shake-up could be on the table before the February 5 trade deadline.
From the Wizards' perspective, this would be another bet on upside - the kind they’ve already made with Trae Young and, before that, Cam Whitmore. Both of those players came with question marks, and Williamson’s situation is no different. The talent is undeniable - a two-time All-Star who’s averaging 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season - but so are the concerns.
Health remains the biggest red flag. Since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williamson has played just 243 games.
That’s less than half of the possible regular-season contests over that span. And beyond the injuries, there are whispers about whether he fits into the kind of culture teams are trying to build - something that’s just as important for a rebuilding Wizards squad trying to establish a new identity.
Financially, it’s a significant commitment. Williamson is earning $39.4 million this season, with $42.2 million and $44.9 million due over the next two years. That’s superstar money, and the Wizards would have to be confident they’re getting a superstar return on the court.
Still, the upside is tantalizing. At his best, Zion is a force of nature - a 6-foot-6, 284-pound mismatch nightmare with elite touch around the rim, explosive athleticism, and the ability to collapse defenses on every possession.
His career averages of 24.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game aren’t just good - they’re elite. The question is whether he can stay on the floor long enough to make that kind of impact consistently.
With the trade deadline just around the corner, the Pelicans have some decisions to make. Do they keep betting on Zion to be their franchise cornerstone? Or do they explore the possibility of moving him while there’s still significant interest - even if it’s more speculative than concrete?
As for the Wizards, they’ve shown they’re not afraid to take big swings on talented players with something to prove. Whether that approach leads them to take a flyer on Zion remains to be seen. But in a league where fortunes can change overnight, don’t count anything out.