Clippers do not have control of their 1st round picks until 2030 (2029 is top 3 protected with Philly having swap rights) and Zion's contract expires at the end of 2028. Clippers essentially trade for Zion and hope to rehabilitate him because of his talent and potential during the years they don't have control of their picks.

Pelicans essentially salary dump Zion for John Collins, Derrick Jones, and Chris Paul in an attempt to win this year since they traded their 2026 1st round pick (Zion is not reliable so they are trading for healty, reliable players), and then have a clean salary cap in future years.