Why they say "Yes"

NOP: The Pels seem to have been shopping both Zion and CJ since this season fell apart. With Cooper Flagg on the horizon, they pull the trigger at the deadline. Getting back 4 picks for 2 players with very low markets right now is a good return. Guys like Bridges, Williams and Fontecchio can be flipped for more assets. I don't believe there's a better/realistic package out there besides this and they can't afford to keep Zion around long term with his negative locker room presence.

CHA: Any team trading for Zion is taking a huge risk but the Hornets have been stuck in NBA purgatory for too long. If there was ever a team that needs to take a risk at becoming relevant again, its Charlotte. They would be banking on Ball and Zion remaining relatively healthy enough to make a playoff push which is very wishful thinking but never say never. Those two on the court together would be straight fireworks! And if it doesn't work out, they just remain in the same place they are right now. I see it as a no lose scenario for Charlotte. Also. Stewart is a great center option to play next to Zion given the floor spacing ability he's shown in the past.

DET: The Pistons are right in the playoff hunt and just lost Jaden Ivey to injury. McCollum gives them the offensive firepower needed to not only replace Ivey's production but potentially elevate the team's offense as a whole. When Ivey returns, they could experiment with McCollum being the 6th man or going small with both of them in the lineup. Richards is a quality backup center that provides better rim protection than Stewart did as the backup and Green is a good vet to have on the team. There's no reason for Detroit not to make this deal and push for a playoff berth especially given how low their cap number still is after this deal.

Rotations

New Orleans Pelicans

PG: Dejounte Murray / Jose Alvarado

SG: Trey Murphy III / Jordan Hawkins

SF: Brandon Ingram / Simone Fontecchio

PF: Miles Bridges / Herb Jones (Williams OUT)

C: Yves Missi / Daniel Theis

Charlotte Hornets

PG: LaMelo Ball / Vasilije Micic

SG: Josh Green / Tre Mann

SF: Brandon Miller / Cody Martin

PF: Zion Williamson / Tidjane Salaun

C: Mark Williams / Isaiah Stewart

Detroit Pistons

PG: Cade Cunningham / Marcus Sasser

SG: CJ McCollum / Malik Beasley (Ivey OUT)

SF: Ausar Thompson / Ron Holland

PF: Tobias Harris / Javonte Green

C: Jalen Duren / Nick Richards