Zion Williamson’s Injury Saga and the Pelicans’ Trade Dilemma
Zion Williamson’s injury woes have once again taken center stage. The New Orleans Pelicans recently revealed that the star forward has suffered a Grade 2 right hip adductor strain and will be sidelined indefinitely. Reports indicate that Williamson will be re-evaluated at the end of December, leaving fans and analysts alike to wonder when, or if, he will return to the court.
Over his six-plus seasons in the NBA, Williamson has missed more games than he has played—273 absences compared to 224 appearances. This alarming statistic has sparked significant debate about his future in New Orleans. Shamit Dua from In The N.O. has made a compelling case for the Pelicans to consider moving on from him. His words resonate especially for fans familiar with the struggles faced by the Philadelphia 76ers: “This isn’t about injuries anymore. You cannot build a coherent team, develop chemistry, or install systems when your central piece is a perpetual question mark.”
The Weight of Uncertainty
Williamson’s ongoing injury saga creates a ripple effect throughout the Pelicans organization. Coaches grapple with planning without a reliable star, while teammates struggle to build trust. Dua encapsulates this sentiment, stating that the entire organization is trapped in a “holding pattern, waiting on one man’s availability.” The Pelicans’ aspirations of contention seem stifled as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding their franchise player.
Fortunately for the Pelicans, Williamson’s contract includes an exit strategy. His salaries of $42.2 million and $44.9 million for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, respectively, are currently non-guaranteed. To secure those salaries, Williamson must meet certain criteria, including playing in at least 41 games. Given his recent injury history, this requirement appears increasingly daunting.
Assessing Trade Value
Amidst these complications, the Pelicans find themselves in a precarious position regarding Williamson’s trade value. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, it stands at “next to no” due to his extensive injury report. Dua also notes that, as of now, the Pelicans have not engaged in trade discussions involving Williamson or other key players like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. However, as the season progresses, the organization may reconsider its options if Williamson’s health remains a concern.
Could the Philadelphia 76ers be interested in acquiring Williamson at a discount? The answer is complicated.
Trade Mechanics: Who Goes Where?
Williamson’s current salary of $39.4 million presents a significant hurdle for potential trades. The Pelicans sit roughly $10 million under the first apron, allowing them to take back 125 percent of any outgoing salary, plus an additional $250,000. However, they are also just $1.9 million below the luxury tax threshold, making them hesitant to incur additional costs during a season that may already be deemed lost.
For the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey’s $38.0 million contract is off-limits in any trade discussions. This leaves only two comparable salaries on their books: Joel Embiid at $55.2 million and Paul George at $51.7 million. Given Embiid’s own injury concerns and his upcoming max extension, the Pelicans are unlikely to show interest in him. This narrows the potential framework for a trade to a George-for-Williamson swap, supplemented by additional salary filler.
Navigating Financial Constraints
The dynamics become even more intricate when considering additional contracts. If the Pelicans were to demand a player like Jordan Poole ($31.8 million) or Dejounte Murray ($30.8 million) alongside Williamson, the trade would quickly escalate to approximately $70 million in outgoing salary. The Sixers do not possess enough high-salary players to balance such a deal.
Other options include Kelly Oubre Jr. ($8.4 million) and Andre Drummond ($5.0 million), but incorporating these players alongside George would still leave the Sixers with financial constraints. Any team taking back more salary than it sends out would be hard-capped at the first apron, forcing the Sixers to make additional adjustments to their roster.
The Role of Third Teams in Potential Trades
Given the complex financial landscape, both the Pelicans and Sixers might need a third team to facilitate a trade. Teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz, which have ample cap space, could serve as potential trade partners. However, any involvement from these teams would require incentives from either the Pelicans or the Sixers.
Should the Pelicans consider a swap involving Embiid for Williamson, it could be a game-changer for both franchises. For the Sixers, letting go of Embiid might alleviate the burden of his hefty contract, especially if Williamson’s health remains a question mark. The prospect of waiving Williamson next summer could also serve as a strategic escape route.
Ultimately, while the allure of trading for Williamson exists, the Sixers may opt to bide their time, particularly with the potential for other high-profile trades looming in the near future. As the season unfolds, both teams will have to navigate the complexities of roster management, health, and financial implications.
