NBA rumors: Zion Williamson desired by dark horse, Lakers coaching future, and more

NBA rumors: Pelicans would prefer to trade Zion Williamson instead of Brandon Ingram

The New Orleans Pelicans have an eventful summer ahead of them after their disappointing play-in loss to the ultra-young OKC Thunder. Shrouded in doubts about his health and happiness, Zion Williamson is the primary source of trade chatter in New Orleans right now.

According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Pelicans would prefer to trade Zion Williamson instead of Brandon Ingram in a potential deal ahead of Thursday’s NBA Draft. The Pelicans have been tied to G-League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson, who is expected to be either the No. 2 or No. 3 pick.

Any potential Williamson trade will ultimately come down to what Charlotte decides to do with the No. 2 pick. If the Hornets prefer Brandon Miller, then the Pelicans will hit up the Blazers to angle for Henderson at No. 3. If the Hornets land on Henderson, then any trade offers go through them. Unfortunately for the Pelicans, the Hornets are more interested in Ingram.

There are two sides to every coin, of course. Williamson is much better than Ingram but he has played over 30 games once in four NBA seasons. Ingram isn’t without his own injury history, but he’s far more reliable and he profiles as a cleaner fit next to LaMelo Ball as a versatile 6-foot-9 defender and talented secondary playmaker who can spread the floor.

Portland, on the other hand, makes a great deal of sense for Zion if Scoot tumbles one spot further. He’s young enough to promote the future beyond Damian Lillard while still helping the team contend while Lillard’s still around.