As the NBA trade deadline barrels toward us, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves at a crossroads. With a talented but inconsistent roster and a core that’s yet to fully click, the front office is reportedly exploring big changes - and yes, that includes potentially moving on from Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones.
Now, no, Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t walking through that door - we’re not diving into fantasyland here. But even without a two-time MVP on the table, the Pelicans have intriguing options to reshape their future, and one proposed move stands out for its boldness: a blockbuster swap with the Memphis Grizzlies centered around Zion Williamson and Ja Morant.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room. Zion was supposed to be the franchise’s cornerstone when he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2019.
The hype was real - and for good reason. But injuries have derailed his trajectory, and the Pelicans have spent more time managing his recovery than building around his talent.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but sometimes the best path forward is a fresh start - for both player and team.
The idea of flipping Williamson and Dejounte Murray to Memphis in exchange for Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. is the kind of shake-up that could redefine both franchises. It’s not just a talent swap - it’s a culture reset.
For New Orleans, Morant brings a different kind of star power. He’s a dynamic playmaker, a walking highlight reel, and a player who can raise the floor of a team the moment he steps on the court.
Yes, he’s had his share of off-court issues, and yes, he’s currently sidelined with an elbow injury. But the upside is undeniable.
Morant’s ability to push the pace and create offense out of chaos could unlock a new gear for the Pelicans, especially with shooters like Murphy and versatile wings like Herb Jones around him.
Then there’s Jaren Jackson Jr., who would immediately bolster New Orleans’ frontcourt. His defensive instincts, rim protection, and floor-spacing ability make him a perfect complement to rookie big man Derik Queen.
Jackson isn’t just a shot-blocker - he’s a switchable, modern big who can hold his own across multiple positions. Pairing him with Queen gives the Pelicans a frontcourt duo that can stretch defenses and anchor them on the other end.
Of course, the Pelicans would be giving up more than just Zion. Dejounte Murray, who’s played only 31 games this season due to an Achilles injury, would also be headed to Memphis in this hypothetical deal.
While his stint in New Orleans has been short and injury-riddled, Murray is still a do-it-all guard with All-Star pedigree. He may look like a throw-in on paper, but he’s capable of making a real impact - especially on a Grizzlies team that could use another steady two-way presence in the backcourt.
From Memphis’ perspective, this would be a calculated risk with serious upside. Williamson, when healthy, is one of the league’s most efficient interior scorers.
He’s a force in the paint, capable of overwhelming defenders with strength and touch despite being undersized for a traditional big. The Grizzlies haven’t had a player like that since the days of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.
If their medical staff can keep him on the floor, he could be the offensive focal point they’ve been missing - someone who commands attention every trip down the court.
And while Morant and Williamson have taken very different paths since entering the league together in 2019, their careers have remained intertwined. A trade like this would only deepen that connection - and give both players a chance to reboot in a new environment.
For the Pelicans, this move would also open up minutes for their young guards. With Murray out of the picture, players like Jeremiah Fears, Bryce McGowens, and Jordan Hawkins could see expanded roles. It’s a chance to evaluate the next wave of talent while building around a new core.
A potential starting five of Derik Queen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Ja Morant - with Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey coming off the bench - doesn’t just look good on paper. It looks like a team with balance, versatility, and a clear identity. That’s something the Pelicans have been chasing for years.
At the end of the day, this is the kind of move that takes guts. It’s not without risk. But for a franchise that’s spent too long waiting on potential, it might finally be time to bet on clarity.