New Orleans Pelicans Tried To Make A Huge Trade During The Zion Williamson Draft

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Getty Image / Carmen Mandato


  • Zion Williamson has yet to live up to the lofty expectations the New Orleans Pelicans had for him
  • It turns out they actually tried to trade for another big name during Zion’s draft
  • Read more BroBible articles here

The New Orleans Pelicans aren’t getting the return they had hoped for when they invested in Zion Williamson with pick 1 of the 2019 NBA draft. More than halfway through his 3rd season in the NFL, Zion has only managed to play 85 games. He also hasn’t set foot on the court this season and some concerns have been raised about his weight in his absence.

To make matters worse for the Pelicans, Ja Morant, who was selected 2nd overall, has been incredible for the Memphis Grizzlies. Last season, he led them to the playoffs after they had missed out for 3 consecutive years.

This season, Morant has been selected as a starter for the NBA All-Star game while averaging 26.4 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game. He has also led the Grizzlies to 3rd place in the Western Conference.

It has led many to question the Pelicans’ decision to draft Zion over Morant, but according to NOLA.com, they actually tried to get both.

It wouldn’t even matter what else they were trying to trade along with that 4th pick, they’d have been getting an absolute steal in the trade. Ja Morant has been far better than anybody the Pelicans could have gotten with that 4th pick. The Pelicans didn’t even end up using the pick anyway.

They traded it for one player they have since traded and another who is now facing legal issues.

Unfortunately for the Pelicans, they weren’t able to get a deal done with the Grizzlies and missed out on their best possible outcome. They could have just drafted Morant with pick 1 and they’d be a much better team right now.

Instead the Pelicans get to welcome the Grizzlies to New Orleans tonight without Zion and be reminded on how great of a player they passed on with that pick.