New Orleans Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson is touted as a potential trade candidate amid the team's 9-32 season. Williamson has struggled with his health again, playing only eight of 41 games, averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 45.5% shooting.
Five years into his pro career, the 24-year-old hasn't made his playoffs debut, despite the Pelicans reaching the postseason twice. While the Pelicans haven't strongly indicated their desire to trade him, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Jan. 8 that the Pelicans would listen to a "great offer."
One of the most common landing spots for Williamson has been New York. On Tuesday, Windhorst's ESPN colleague Stephen A. Smith claimed that the player wants 'marketability' with a move to New York or L.A.
Amid these reports, Williamson has sent the NBA rumor mill into a frenzy after his latest interview, where he revealed New York and Brooklyn's arenas among his favorite places to play.
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"New York, I think Brooklyn is a low-key one I don 't think people appreciate enough," Williamson said. "Boston, Chicago ... I like Atlanta ... It's a lot of dope arenas that all have their thing."
Williamson reiterated that New Orleans remains his favorite place.
"New Orleans is clearly, by far, my favorite arena to play in."
He doubled down on New York and Brooklyn's 'aura,' citing the music culture inspired by rap stars like Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G.
With reports flying around regarding Zion Williamson's desire to play in New York, the Knicks and Nets fans could have plenty to speculate about seeing a new superstar in town.
Zion Williamson-led Pelicans dominate Bulls
While trade rumors around Zion Williamson continue to stick, the Pelicans are slowly building momentum with their star back in the lineup. Four of their nine wins this season have come in their last seven games. Williamson has been part of three games, including the two losses against the Timberwolves and Celtics and one win against the Bulls.
However, he's kept them close in those losses, too. Williamson is averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists since his comeback, shooting 54.5%. The Pelicans rode off his best performance since returning in Tuesday's 119-113 win over Chicago away.
Williamson had 21 points, seven rebounds and nine assists on 10 of 14 shots. He was as efficient as he could get on offense, bothering Chicago's interior defense throughout his 24 minutes of action.
Zion Williamson's Pelicans visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday on the second night of a back-to-back at home. It remains to be seen if they risk playing him two nights in a row for only the second time this season.
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