If NO gets #1: Zion to ?

[Xman]

Was looking at the top three in the draft. I like Ace a lot and he is projected third. Harper is good and projected second. Of course, Flagg is the big star. Looks like a franchise guy. So, was wondering which team could get lucky - and then have to make a deal to dump a really good player if they got Flagg.

Most would love him and for some like Washington he would be perfect (Nice foundation with Sarr/Flagg/Coulibaly). OKC would be interesting - but I think they would just add him in and see what happens.

NO seems like the most likely to pull the pin. I think getting Flagg would signal the end of the Zion era there. I would deal Zion and CJ at that point if I was their GM. I think Zion still pulls some nice value. Yes, he has been injured a lot and his work ethic has been questioned - but you cannot argue that he dominant when he plays.
PG is set with Murray and lots of wings (Murphy/Herb/Hawkins). Missi is solid at center and just needs time. So, no real need except for time to develop - if they dealt Zion and CJ.

So, could look at Zion deals in four categories:
1) Future picks deal. Hard to rule anyone out with picks if NO goes this route.
2) Win now talent. Seems like a waste to go this way since Missi and Flagg could use some time to develop.
3) Young prospects. How much would some of the prospect loaded teams give? What would Houston give - Jabari, Whitmore, Sheppard, picks? Detroit - Ausur, Holland, Ivey, picks?
4) Picks in this draft. As mentioned, the top three picks are golden. Which teams would give up pick #3 for Zion?

So, that is my question - if Zion was available what would your team give?
Would you give up pick #2 or #3 for Zion if your team got that pick?
What talent package gets the deal done?

I will start for the Rockets.
If we got pick 2 or 3 thanks to PHX, I think I would deal it for Zion (although I really like Ace).
Talent package: #12, Jabari, Sheppard, Whitmore, filler is something both would have to consider.
Vleet/Amen
JalenGreen/Amen
Brooks/Amen
Zion/Eason
Sengun/Adams

NO: Murray/Herb/Murphy/Flagg/Missi - with Jabari/Sheppard/Hawkins/Whitmore.
Funny thing is I would rather not trade Whitmore in the conference - he seems like the type that would put up 35 points every time he played the Rockets (and still would only get one assist).

[babyjax13]

His value has to be so unimaginably low if New Orleans did not trade him this season, IMO. If the Spurs get like the 10th pick from Atlanta, I'd love to see that pick and filler for Zion. It seems like a reasonable gamble for them and New Orleans walks out with a lottery pick in an extremely promising looking draft class for someone who will never play consistently for them.

[gswhoops]

No offer from GS post-Jimmy trade.

[gswhoops]

His value has to be so unimaginably low if New Orleans did not trade him this season, IMO. If the Spurs get like the 10th pick from Atlanta, I'd love to see that pick and filler for Zion. It seems like a reasonable gamble for them and New Orleans walks out with a lottery pick in an extremely promising looking draft class for someone who will never play consistently for them.

I would stay far, far away from Zion if I were San Antonio, even if New Orleans were offering him to me for free.

[babyjax13]

His value has to be so unimaginably low if New Orleans did not trade him this season, IMO. If the Spurs get like the 10th pick from Atlanta, I'd love to see that pick and filler for Zion. It seems like a reasonable gamble for them and New Orleans walks out with a lottery pick in an extremely promising looking draft class for someone who will never play consistently for them.

I would stay far, far away from Zion if I were San Antonio, even if New Orleans were offering him to me for free.

I just think that hypothetical fit is scary good, though maybe a little less so with Fox. The Lakers could be interesting, too. Not sure if something like Rui + filler + the picks they would have dealt for Williams would get it done ... but if they do that and sign a center this offseason they'd have some post-LeBron upside and could decide if Zion actually has the work ethic (esp. with LeBron as a role model) to stay in the league. I want him in an environment with an established culture, or clear mentorship. That really isn't New Orleans.

[gswhoops]

His value has to be so unimaginably low if New Orleans did not trade him this season, IMO. If the Spurs get like the 10th pick from Atlanta, I'd love to see that pick and filler for Zion. It seems like a reasonable gamble for them and New Orleans walks out with a lottery pick in an extremely promising looking draft class for someone who will never play consistently for them.

I would stay far, far away from Zion if I were San Antonio, even if New Orleans were offering him to me for free.

I just think that hypothetical fit is scary good, though maybe a little less so with Fox. The Lakers could be interesting, too. Not sure if something like Rui + filler + the picks they would have dealt for Williams would get it done ... but if they do that and sign a center this offseason they'd have some post-LeBron upside and could decide if Zion actually has the work ethic (esp. with LeBron as a role model) to stay in the league. I want him in an environment with an established culture, or clear mentorship. That really isn't New Orleans.

I can definitely see the appeal on paper of pairing a low post bully like Zion with Wemby, but I just think that his cap hit plus injury/conditioning issues means that he's not worth the risk for a team that already has a strong foundation with a ton of upside and an upward trajectory.

[giberish]

I would stay far, far away from Zion if I were San Antonio, even if New Orleans were offering him to me for free.

I just think that hypothetical fit is scary good, though maybe a little less so with Fox. The Lakers could be interesting, too. Not sure if something like Rui + filler + the picks they would have dealt for Williams would get it done ... but if they do that and sign a center this offseason they'd have some post-LeBron upside and could decide if Zion actually has the work ethic (esp. with LeBron as a role model) to stay in the league. I want him in an environment with an established culture, or clear mentorship. That really isn't New Orleans.

I can definitely see the appeal on paper of pairing a low post bully like Zion with Wemby, but I just think that his cap hit plus injury/conditioning issues means that he's not worth the risk for a team that already has a strong foundation with a ton of upside and an upward trajectory.

Yeah the Spurs aren't going to need the upside of a healthy in-from Zion to be a title contender, but the hole created by having a max contract guy not contribute could easily move them away from a title contender level in a season where they otherwise would be.

I also can't see anyone giving up a high lotter pick for Zion.

[Billl]

From detroit "Detroit - Ausur, Holland, Ivey, picks?" No. Nothing at all like that. The guy has played 200 games in 6 seasons.

[tmorgan]

Zion in Los Angeles? What could possibly go wrong!

[JRoy]

No offer from POR.

He can smash corndogs on someone else’s bench.

[RCM88x]

I would love to see him in Miami or GS.

A lot of his problems I blame on NOLA but obviously not all. He can be a good player in a strong system and organization, ideally with a real medical staff. Worth taking a shot on.

SA would be interesting too but that's a big risk to take when you have Wemby, if you strike out then you really screw yourself. They need another difference maker but it's too early to put their chips in to try and get one.

[Euphonetiks]

If the Pels land Flagg, I don't think they trade Zion, but they do trade Herb. Flagg is not a first option on offense right now. Keeping Zion takes a lot of pressure off of Flagg's development. We can hold out hope Zion grows up and takes care of himself plus regardless of his availability, he is a huge draw in a small market when he is healthy. Zion and Trey are both only 24 too.

Cooper can fill Herb's role while providing a lot more offensively. Herb probably returns as much as or more than Zion in a trade at this point. Sell high, not low.

[jayjaysee]

I think you keep him if you luck into Flagg. Flagg is a strong perimeter defender and a good enough shooter, and could start next to Zion IMO. And there’s a good amount of people that think Zion should play more center minutes, so small ball with elite help defense would be a really good way to work those lineups..

If Zion is available? OP asked what our teams would offer.. If we are to believe Dallas traded Luka due to beer/conditioning.. I would guess they have no offer at all for Zion..

CLT is my favorite Zion destination still though. Picturing Ball/Bailey/Miller/Zion / …Mark

Dallas is getting Cooper though so no need to worry... It’s the league’s thank you/apology, though it doesn’t really make up for it all. But is why Dallas didn’t feel a need to go find another playmaker for this season or dump Powell so they could try to go for buyouts..

[HornetJail]

I think you keep him if you luck into Flagg. Flagg is a strong perimeter defender and a good enough shooter, and could start next to Zion IMO. And there’s a good amount of people that think Zion should play more center minutes, so small ball with elite help defense would be a really good way to work those lineups..

If Zion is available? OP asked what our teams would offer.. If we are to believe Dallas traded Luka due to beer/conditioning.. I would guess they have no offer at all for Zion..

CLT is my favorite Zion destination still though. Picturing Ball/Bailey/Miller/Zion / …Mark

Dallas is getting Cooper though so no need to worry... It’s the league’s thank you/apology, though it doesn’t really make up for it all. But is why Dallas didn’t feel a need to go find another playmaker for this season or dump Powell so they could try to go for buyouts..

i think the Hornets FO willingness to punt Mark for not that much due to injury history, puts us out of any real Zion sweepstakes... but we should go after him imo

[Xman]

I think Zion is a big risk. But, also dominant when he plays. Someone will part with a lot. Several teams may have no interest at all. But, some team will jump at the chance.
Philly might get lucky in lottery. Miami has picks.

[JustBuzzin]

New Orleans failed with Zion. No chance the NBA gifts them Flagg. They are probably the team least likely to win the lottery.

[ReggiesKnicks]

New Orleans failed with Zion. No chance the NBA gifts them Flagg. They are probably the team least likely to win the lottery.

Just like when New Orleans failed with AD and wasn't gifted Zion?

[ChettheJet]

Can't see the Bulls being interested. They moved off of Zach Lavine and will likely move Vucevic in the summer.They would have to give up at least three young guys for Zion and they aren't that deep to do that plus they lose the flexibility they just got themselves moving on from their 2 big contracts. I don't see them deciding Zion with still not matching the high expectations he had when he was drafted. Yeah he makes highlights but not games played.

[eitanr]

Thought about this for a while and I believe Miami should roll the dice. They are stuck in purgatory, even moreso now after the Butler deal and Zion can be a decent swing in hoping Heat culture can turn him around.

Herro's value is at an all time high and he always seems to be part of trade rumors:

Herro, Wiggins, Rozier
FOR
Zion, CJ, Kelly O

There are other ways to work out such a deal, but in general I think Pels would happily take Herro as a trade building block at this stage and the Pels can oblige by getting a bit of cap relief in moving off of Wiggins and Terry and taking back somewhat lesser length deals.

[giberish]

I think Zion is a big risk. But, also dominant when he plays. Someone will part with a lot. Several teams may have no interest at all. But, some team will jump at the chance.
Philly might get lucky in lottery. Miami has picks.

I think that the risk with Zion is so high that teams won't pay that much. Most years he isn't worth a max deal and the trend isn't going up. I'd expect inoffensive filler and some secondary assets in a Zion trade but nothing high value that a team really doesn't want to give up.

Though admittedly it only takes one team to view Zion with rose-colored glasses to make a big offer (assuming that team also has something to trade).