January has already been a whirlwind for the Washington Wizards, and the dust from one blockbuster move hasn’t even settled before another name is starting to swirl in the rumor mill-Zion Williamson.
Let’s rewind for a second. Earlier this month, the Wizards pulled off a surprising trade for All-Star guard Trae Young, landing him from the Hawks for a package that raised more eyebrows than alarms: Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum. That kind of deal-low-cost for a high-upside player-has now sparked chatter around the league that Washington might not be done just yet.
According to league sources, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has emerged as a potential target. The Pelicans, at least publicly, are saying all the right things-Zion isn’t on the block.
But behind the scenes? There’s a little more smoke than the official stance might suggest.
Zion’s talent is undeniable. When healthy, he’s a wrecking ball in transition, a matchup nightmare in the paint, and a force that can tilt the floor in his team’s favor.
But that “when healthy” qualifier is doing a lot of heavy lifting. Injuries have limited his availability throughout his career, and that’s where the intrigue lies for a team like Washington.
The Wizards just proved they’re willing to roll the dice on a distressed asset with All-Star upside. Trae Young’s situation in Atlanta had become murky, and Washington swooped in before the market fully adjusted. Could they try the same play with Zion?
One report suggests that while the Pelicans have told teams they’re not moving Zion-or young core players like Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears-there’s some skepticism around the league, particularly when it comes to Williamson. Translation: if the right offer comes along, New Orleans might at least pick up the phone.
Now, don’t expect Washington to mortgage its future. League sources are adamant that the Wizards aren’t giving up one of their own future first-round picks.
But there’s a wrinkle here. Washington holds rights to a 2026 first-round pick-specifically, the least favorable of three picks owed by the Rockets (top-four protected), Clippers, and Thunder.
That kind of asset might not be flashy, but for a team like New Orleans looking to balance talent and flexibility, it could be enough to start a conversation.
To be clear, a Zion-to-Washington trade is still a long shot. But it’s not just wild speculation-multiple league sources have mentioned it as a possibility, which is more than enough to warrant attention.
The Wizards have already shown a willingness to make bold moves. They didn’t wait around to see how the market would shake out with Trae Young.
They identified an opportunity and pounced. If a similar window opens with Zion, don’t be surprised if Washington at least takes a hard look.
For now, it’s just talk. But in the NBA, talk has a way of turning into action-especially when a team like the Wizards is suddenly in the mood to swing big.