Yahoo Sports Execs, GMs discuss Zion Williamson's trade value
One East executive, however, called gauging Williamson's trade value "the hardest question to answer in the NBA right now." "It's really hard to see anybody paying a ton for him right now, but there are a very limited number of players in the league when healthy who are at or near the franchise-player tier," the East executive said. "The only way you win at the highest level is to have a guy who can do the type of things he can do if he's healthy. "I would probably do something stupid to get him if it were me making decisions."
Source: ESPN
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In the unlikely scenario that New Orleans waives Williamson before July 15, when $38.9 million of his salary for 2025-26 becomes guaranteed, the Pelicans could have up to $30 million in cap space -- but would have to replace both Williamson and Ingram, who account for a combined 45 points per game when healthy. Still, even without releasing Williamson, the unique structure of his contract could be a valuable tool for the Pelicans. -via ESPN / December 31, 2024
There could also be a middle ground for a trade suitor. Willamson's contract would allow a team to acquire a superstar on a trial basis. Several executives polled agreed that Williamson's talent -- as rarely as it has been on display -- would still generate some interest in the trade market. As one general manager said, "We've seen worse players have value despite injuries." Added another: "It's a risk, but some team might take the risk." -via ESPN / December 31, 2024
New Orleans paid Williamson as a franchise player but included language that protected the franchise if Williamson missed more than 22 games in the 2022-23 or 2023-24 season. He missed 53 in 2022-23, meaning Williamson's salaries in the remaining three seasons ($38.9 million in 2025-26, $41.5 million in 2026-27 and $44.2 million in 2027-28) are non-guaranteed. "It is one the best contracts in the NBA," an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN. "But looking back, it is hard to argue that any team would have guaranteed Zion $197 million without conditions in the extension." -via ESPN / December 31, 2024
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Execs, GMs discuss Zion Williamson's trade value
