If the Wizards want to buy low on another star (I think they do at some point), they should go get Zion from the Pelicans. Especially after this season, the Pelicans should build around Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. They could get a haul if they trade Murphy III, Herb Jones, etc. I would wait to trade those guys until the off-season.

If the Wizards can pull this trade off, they will automatically be one of the most exciting teams in the league. Williamson will fill in Middleton's starting spot so it doesn't hurt the young guys much if at all.

The Pelicans do this because they need to get off Zion soon and they try to get some value for him. The Pelicans probably don't a Trae Young situation where they trade Zion when his value is at the lowest. It's definitely tanking now. Khris Middleton could seek a buyout or just have his contract expire. The Pelicans also take a flier on AJ Johnson.

The draft capital involved will be the more difficult part in a deal. Zion's value is so low but some earlier reports say that the Pelicans would trade him for any kind of value. How much do the Wizards value Zion in a trade? That's the question. What do you guys think?