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

Whatever it is, We are making it a package w you. We just hope to dump cap tbh, maybe give away a few more 1’s.

It’s a nice sentiment but I’d bet against Zion playing 50+ games. He’s already missed quite a few games(10 games) right and we’ve only played 18 games. The sooner we get what we can the better. He’s always a depreciating asset.

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?

Hopefully you'll find another team by next season.

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If he can play 50+ games, put up decent numbers, and finish the season strong/uninjured there could be a really good market

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This is not a probable scenario.

Whatever you get. He is bad for the team.

quote:

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This is not a probable scenario.

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There are 3 possibilities..

1. Zion gets injured and misses the majority of the season. He has no trade value and we cut him this summer.

2. They decide to trade Zion in-season, and take a low value deal with minimal draft picks and bloated contracts, that are probably expiring.

3. Zion plays a majority of the year. He has some struggles, but shows flashes. We go into a weak FA period with an attractive asset that a few teams want, and we get a decent return.

As a Pelican fan, you have to hope for option 3. It's our best outcome, in a horrible situation. But the other 2 can happen. I guess there is a 4th option where they keep him. But I don't think there is much chance of that right now.

I think the focus should be on trading Murphy and Jones during the season. Then focus on moving Zion and Poole this summer (showcase them to develop a market). Murray will probably have to next season. But I want to see how a Fears and Murray backcourt looks together. There could be some possibilities there..

Probably send him to the Lakers for Bronny and 2 protected 1st round picks in 2047/2048