In 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans picked Zion Williamson — the most hyped rookie after LeBron James — as their No. 1 draft pick. Fast forward six years, and the Pelicans are in a deadlock, with Williamson missing more games than he’s played.
Naturally, trade rumors have continued to circulate around the team, recently picking up pace as the NBA trade deadline approaches. Williamson’s recent adductor injury has only fueled the multiple rumors. However, an NBA insider believes there are a few players on the roster that remain off-limits, even if the team ends up trading Williamson.
NBA Insider Provides More Insight Into Pelicans Trade Rumors As Zion Williamson Remains Sidelined
In a recent report, NBA insider Marc Stein discussed the Pelicans’ current stance as the trading market gained traction. While there are ample talks around the team finally moving Williamson, Stein reveals two players the team won’t be ready to trade: Derick Queen and Jeremiah Fears.
“Rookie big man Derik Queen and fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears are said to have quickly established themselves as the most don’t-even-ask players on the Pelicans’ roster,” Stein wrote in his report.
While fans are desperate for a revamp — mostly without Williamson — the team is desperate to hold on to its two building blocks. And though the Pelicans continue to struggle with a 4-22 win-loss record, Queen and Fears have exceeded expectations.
Queen has been a standout rookie, gaining traction after his iconic 33-point triple-double against the San Antonio Spurs. Fans have already clocked his immense potential, agreeing that a better support system will only enhance his game.
If the Pelicans play their cards right, he could certainly emerge as the cornerstone of their organization. This season, Queen is averaging 13 points, 6.3 rebounds, and four points per game.
Fears, on the flip side, has impressed the NBA world by carrying the team’s offense at 19 years old. The only downside is his inconsistent shooting, which ultimately fails to impact the team’s overall wins. He is averaging 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
Retired NBA Star Urges Pelicans To Trade Williamson
Having said that, fans aren’t the only ones urging the Pelicans to trade Williamson. In a previous episode of Gil’s Arena, three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas broke down his view on the situation, agreeing that the team is stuck as they hold on to the 2019 No. 1 pick.
“We need to go in a different direction. We can’t put all of our resources around Zion anymore if he can’t be healthy,” he said.
The major point of concern remains recurrent injuries, which have sidelined Williamson for months, preventing him from gaining enough momentum.
Out with an adductor injury this month, Williamson is reported to miss three weeks before he will be reevaluated. He was averaging 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and four assists this season while shooting 51% from the field.