If the Golden Warriors fail to make another move before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, it would be safe to say the organization isn’t serious about competing for a championship.
Acquiring an overrated New Orleans Pelicans forward who hasn’t lived up to the billing in the NBA would be risky, but it would show the Warriors are attempting to improve their roster.
“While the Pelicans have shown more interest in trading (Brandon) Ingram, Zion (Williamson) would be the more attractive name for the Warriors, assuming he can stay healthy,” Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel wrote Monday.
“This has been the main concern for the former first-overall pick during his tenure in New Orleans, as Williamson has only played in 13 games this season due to injury.”
“After this season, Williamson has several non guaranteed clauses in his contract and different bonuses that he can accrue based on weigh-ins and health checks.”
“It is unknown if these rare clauses would be voided if Williamson were to be traded to a new team.”
When Williamson entered the NBA, injuries weren’t a major concern.
Yes, the Duke product suffered a mild knee sprain against North Carolina in what many considered a freak injury.
Still, Williamson only missed five games during his lone season with the Blue Devils, giving NBA general managers little to no reason to avoid him in the 2019 draft.
However, Williamson’s young NBA career has been riddled with lower body setbacks.
From hamstring injuries to significant knee issues, Williamson has struggled to prove he can consistently remain healthy in a Pelicans uniform.
The physically imposing and athletically gifted forward averages 23.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game this season while appearing in only 13 contests.
Since 2019, Williamson has missed over 150 regular season games with New Orleans, making him a high-risk target for the Warriors in 2025.
If he can consistently stay on the hardwood, a Williamson and Stephen Curry pairing would unquestionably excite Golden State fans waiting for another high-profile superstar to arrive in the Bay.
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