Zion Williamson commands no significant trade return on the current market, leaving the New Orleans Pelicans facing severe limitations if the franchise dismantles its roster following Dejounte Murray’s reported trade request.
- Prospective suitors like the Phoenix Suns could be a landing spot to consider as Dejounte Murray’s reported trade request materializes.
Bleacher Report highlighted the turmoil surrounding New Orleans by pointing out that if the organization opts to tear down the team following Dejounte Murray’s reported trade demand, the Pelicans might have to abandon hopes of securing a major package in exchange for Zion Williamson.
“I was texting with an executive, asking about a potential Zion market,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on NBA Today. “He says, ‘Can you trade Zion? Sure. Can you get a big return for him? No way.'”
Playing in 11 of the Pelicans’ previous 12 contests, Williamson has posted an accurate opening to the campaign by sinking 62.2 percent of his shots while putting up averages of 2.6 assists, 2.1 steals, 5.2 rebounds, and 21.7 points.
Throughout his eight seasons with New Orleans, conditioning struggles and injuries have affected Williamson, though he managed to post 21 points per game across 62 appearances last year. Pelicans head of basketball operations Joe Dumars said in September he considered Williamson to be “in impeccable condition.”
According to Spotrac, Williamson reached the necessary appearance thresholds to fully lock in his $42.2 million salary cap figure for the current campaign. Before he is set to become an unrestricted free agent entering the season he turns 28, he still needs to secure the guarantee on the $44.9 million cap hit tied to the 2027-28 campaign left on his contract.
| Stat / Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Field Goal Percentage | 62.2% |
| Points Per Game | 21.7 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 5.2 |
| Assists Per Game | 2.6 |
| Games Played (Recent Span) | 11 of 12 |
Having been sidelined for Friday’s NBA Cup matchup due to a sprained left ankle, Murray is the subject of potential destination options that the Pelicans might already have in mind.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported the Phoenix Suns had “registered interest” in Murray shortly after The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported the franchise is “motivated to swap [Jalen Green] for a proven point guard.”
Earlier on NBA Today, Charania indicated that the organization and Rich Paul—Murray’s representative—had spent time attempting to address Murray’s desire for a trade.
As the franchise attempts to bounce back from a 4-8 record that places them 12th in the Western Conference, a quick departure appears far more probable for Murray than for Williamson.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
