5 Trades Heat should make over waiting for Damian Lillard
By Tyler Watts
2. Heat land Zion Williamson in a shocking blockbuster trade
The Pelicans want to trade up in the 2023 NBA Draft to get Scoot Henderson, and there has been plenty of smoke that they could offer Zion to get there. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons went even further by saying he heard Williamson will be traded by draft night. If New Orleans cannot acquire a top-three pick, could they pivot into accepting the biggest offer?
The Heat may be the ideal landing spot for Zion’s career. He has struggled to stay healthy and in shape. Blending into “Heat Culture” could be exactly what he needs to maximize his immense talent. Williamson is unstoppable when he is on the floor, but he has played in just 114 games since being drafted in 2019.
This is an all-in offer by the Heat that has some serious risks. Zion is only 22 years old, but can he stay healthy? He was an All-Star and played 61 games in 2021, but that remains his career-high. The Pelicans could be looking to get out of the Zion business because they believe he cannot play even 60 games every season. It would be a gamble by Pat Riley, but Williamson offers the offensive juice the Heat needed in the NBA Finals.
If Zion Williamson hits the open market, the bidding war could get wild. He needs to go somewhere with a strong culture in place, and Miami could be the franchise that makes him an unquestioned superstar.