I think they should entice the Detroit Pistons to involve their (pending) top 3-5 1st round pick in a swap of the highest pick between Charlotte and New Orleans and a Pistons' acquisition of Miles Bridges via sign and trade. Of course, other players would be involved as well to satisfy each party.

HERITAGE

Zion grew up in the Carolinas and played college ball in North Carolina. Being that South Carolina doesn't have a basketball team, normally South Carolinians root for the pro teams in North Carolina. Fun fact, during his stint in AAU, Zion played for the South Carolina Hornets. His favorite player of all-time is Michael Jordan, another Carolina product, who his mother made him study immensely.

On the contrary, giving up Miles Bridges is a big move but it saves money for now as you sign and trade his max contract (likely 175 mil+) to Detroit which actually is Bridges' hometown team as well, being that he grew up in Flint, Michigan.

Of course, the trade would require more from Charlotte and Detroit especially. I think if the Pistons still have Jerami Grant on the roster they could be willing to send him to New Orleans along with their pick, Killian Hayes, and Hamidou Diallo if it means throwing in a player like Bouknight.

This is just a root thought as I haven't played it out entirely but ultimately my point is that if any team should be trying to obtain Zion, it's North Carolina. Swing for the fences. LaMelo Ball/Zion Williamson on the court together would be one of the most scary tandems the NBA has ever seen.

What type of trade could you see being made for Zion in the offseason?