Two-Man Game: Should the Raptors be worried?

Zion Williamson’s agent, Bill Duffy, has no intention to push for a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the February 6th deadline, sources tell ESPN. Williamson has played in only six games games this season and is averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 31.1 minutes. Williamson is week-to-week with a hamstring injury.

Both Williamson and the Pelicans want to get him back on the floor without any additional injury issues.

“Let’s ramp him up and create value for him,” a source said, “whether that’s with the Pelicans or another team.”

Williamson’s five-year, $197 million contract has several protections that make his contract non-guaranteed if he can’t stay healthy. Because Williamson has already missed 26 games this season, either the Pelicans or any team he’s traded to could release him before July 15th when his $38.9 million salary becomes guaranteed. The Pelicans are not considering that path, but a team acquiring him could do so if they are a second apron team searching for salary cap relief.

The Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are a pair of teams that rival executives have speculated could have interest in Williamson.

At this point, Williamson’s trade value could be as low as a late first round pick and salary filler.

“Take a swing and work on his body,” the executive said. “It would be complicated with his salary, but I think it would be doable.”

A rebuilding team could also take a chance on Williamson’s talent.

“Maybe there’s a bad team that needs a star,” another West executive said. “I don’t think he’s getting a premium picks package, but the guy has proven that when he’s healthy, he’s a star.”

On the latest episode of The Lowe Post podcast, ESPN’s Zach Lowe talked about teams that could be interested in trading for Donovan Mitchell. If Mitchell declines an extension, the thought is that the Cleveland Cavaliers will look to trade him before free agency in the summer of 2025.

Teams expected to be interested include the usual suspects like the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets. The has been some speculation that the Houston Rockets could also join that group. Lowe added the New Orleans Pelicans as a team to watch, should Mitchell hit the trade market.

New Orleans has hit a bit of a crossroads. Brandon Ingram has one year left on his contract. He’s extension-eligible and could be looking for a max deal. The Cavs don’t have a player with Ingram’s skill/size combo at the forward spot. The Pelicans don’t have a scoring guard quite like Mitchell, but do have some forward depth. That could make the two teams natural trade partners.