Pelicans rumor: Zion Williamson s lottery decision sparks hot debate on trade

Zion Williams will attend the NBA draft draw as a Pelicans representative on Monday night, making the trade rumors confusing.

Although the NBA's focus is still on the eight remaining teams in the playoffs, those teams who missed the playoffs also became the focus at the NBA draft draw ceremony on Monday night. This year, Cooper Flag's draw will change the direction of the league in the next few years. The New Orleans Pelicans ranked fourth in the lottery draw probability, with a 12.5% ​​chance of winning the No. 1 pick.

The Pelicans will go after a year of frustrating injuries, it remains to be seen where this offseason will go. One possible solution is to trade star forward Zion Williamson, who has performed very well on the field but can't seem to stay healthy.

However, according to Mark Stan's Strong's Mark Stan, Zion will represent the Pelicans in the lottery draw, which may put his chances of being traded to question.

"It was announced on Monday that Zion Williamson will represent the Pelicans in a Monday night draft draw," Stan wrote. "A person familiar with my first reaction to the news: If you want to trade a star player, you shouldn't have him in such a role." The Pelicans hope Zion will bring them some good luck in Monday night's draw and hope the Pelicans will pick the most likely No. 1 pick Flag, or Rutgers star Dylan Harper, who is expected to be selected with the second pick. At present, this may be the best opportunity for the Pelicans to return to the championship ranks in the Western Conference, and they are at the top of the lottery before entering the playoffs.

If the New Orleans Pelicans can partner with Williamson and the former Duke star can eventually stay healthy throughout the season, the Pelicans have a chance to return to the Western Conference championship in the 2025-26 season.