The Washington Wizards have already made one bold move this season by buying low on Trae Young. Now, there’s growing chatter around the league that they could be eyeing another high-risk, high-reward talent: Zion Williamson.
Let’s be clear-nothing is imminent. But according to league sources, if Zion were to become available, Washington might be a team to watch.
Wizards’ New Blueprint: Buying Low on Star Talent
The Wizards’ acquisition of Young sent a message across the league: they’re willing to take calculated swings on talented players whose stock has dipped. Young, a four-time All-Star at just 27, came to D.C. in exchange for Corey Kispert and C.J. McCollum-a surprisingly modest price for a player of his resume, even with the questions around his efficiency, defense, and leadership.
That deal has turned heads, and now the Wizards are being floated in conversations around similar distressed assets-players with elite upside but complicated track records. One of the biggest names in that category? Zion Williamson.
Zion’s Uncertain Future in New Orleans
Williamson, the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, was once seen as the Pelicans’ franchise cornerstone-the player who could fill the void left by Anthony Davis. But injuries, conditioning issues, and off-court distractions have plagued his career from the jump. And while New Orleans has remained publicly committed to him, there’s been persistent league-wide speculation that his time with the Pelicans could be nearing its end.
According to The Athletic’s Josh Robbins, league insiders are skeptical that New Orleans would truly hold firm on keeping Williamson if the right offer came along. Officially, the Pelicans have told teams that Williamson, along with Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears, are off-limits. But behind the scenes, that stance might not be as solid as it appears.
What Would a Wizards-Pelicans Deal Look Like?
Here’s where it gets interesting. League sources don’t see Washington parting with one of its own future first-round picks to get a deal done.
But the Wizards do hold rights to a 2026 first-rounder-specifically, the least favorable of picks from the Rockets (top-four protected), Clippers, and Thunder. That pick, or something similar, could be enough to meet New Orleans’ asking price if they do decide to move on from Zion.
Still, Robbins notes that a Williamson trade to Washington is “an extreme long shot.” But it’s a scenario being discussed in league circles, and when enough sources are floating the same possibility, it’s worth paying attention.
Washington’s Pattern: Betting on Upside
This wouldn’t be the first time the Wizards have taken a swing on a player with baggage. Before Young, they brought in Jordan Poole, who was coming off a turbulent end to his Warriors tenure-punctuated by that infamous punch from Draymond Green.
In D.C., Poole responded with career-highs in minutes, points, assists, steals, and 3-point percentage. Eventually, he was flipped to New Orleans in a three-team trade that brought back McCollum, Cam Whitmore, Kelly Olynyk, and a second-round pick.
That kind of asset flipping is exactly what rebuilding teams need to do-take chances on undervalued players, help them rebuild their value, and move them at the right time. Williamson, if healthy and motivated, could be the ultimate version of that strategy.
The Zion Contract Factor
Any team considering a move for Zion would need to evaluate the risk tied to his contract. He’s in year three of a five-year, $197.2 million deal.
But here’s the wrinkle: the final two years-worth $87 million-are non-guaranteed, thanks to clauses tied to weight and games played. That gives a team like Washington some built-in protection if things don’t go according to plan.
Big Picture: Wizards Playing the Long Game
At 10-32, the Wizards are headed back to the lottery. But they’re not just sitting around waiting for ping-pong balls to bounce their way.
They’ve shown a willingness to think creatively, take risks, and zig where others zag. Whether or not a Zion deal ever materializes, just being in the conversation signals a new kind of ambition in the front office.
Washington is clearly willing to roll the dice on elite talent that comes with question marks. And if they keep playing this game right, it might just pay off in a big way.