Down to Brass Tacks: What can we REALISTICALLY get for Zion in a Trade (Picks, etc)

I don't think we will or should trade Zion until the offseason. If he can play 50+ games, put up decent numbers, and finish the season strong/uninjured there could be a really good market. There are going to be a lot of teams with cap space, and it's a weak FA class. A few teams might be desperate to spend, and we could create a bidding war. I hate waiting and I want to move on, but unless something extreme happens, I believe that's the best option..

Couldn’t even get Edey for Zion

With Desmond Bane and Fish Bridges (mid-level players at best, not elite) going for multiple first rounders each, Zion whether he’s hurt/fat or not should command a Kings’ ransom

Exactly what can we get for Zion in a trade? Not entirely sure, obviously. However, looking at the assets that Orlando gave up to acquire Bane, which are listed below:

-#16 overall this year
-2026 unprotected 1st
-2028 unprotected 1st
-2029 protected 1st (top 2)
-2030 unprotected 1st
-KCP
-Cole Anthony

One would think that Zion could fetch something similar.

Bane's signed a 5 year $207 million dollar contract in 2023, while Zion signed his 5 year $197 million dollar deal in 2022. But after this season Zion's last two remaining years on his deal are non guaranteed.

Obviously, the biggest thing hindering Zion is his availability. But Bane has missed roughly ~17 games per year prior to this season. So he's not an iron man.

If you look past the injuries Zion's been to two all-star games (which really doesn't mean all that much), puts up better numbers, has more star power, cheaper contract of which after this season is non-guaranteed and lastly and most importantly has been a part of this dysfunctional sad sack of shite franchise his whole career.

Ultimately, I think a few teams would be willing to gamble that under better circumstances (not this Mickey Mouse organization) Zion could thrive.

Therefore, my guess we could get something in the ballpark of the Bane trade.

Getting the Bane return for Zion?



I guess AI wrote this post?