NBA Trade Rumors: Pelicans clarify position on Zion Williamson & $36 million forward ahead of trade deadline

New Orleans Pelicans superstars, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, might find themselves suiting up for another team before the NBA trade deadline. According to numerous reports, the Pelicans are actively trying to rebuild their franchise with younger and healthier talent.

Prominent NBA insider, Jake Fischer, reported that New Orleans is open to letting go of their entire roster with the exception of Herb Jones, Yves Missi and Trey Murphy III. Fischer reported:

“While naturally resistant to trade inquiries for their younger gems — Herb Jones, rookie Yves Missi and Trey Murphy III — word is that the Pelicans are essentially open to trade pitches for pretty much anyone else on the roster apart from those three amid a 5-21 start and more injury woe than even Philadelphia.”

The Pelicans can't be blamed as Zion Williamson still struggles to remain healthy every season. Then there's Brandon Ingram, who clearly isn't what New Orleans needs to carry their team, given their 5-21 record. Ingram has an expiring contract worth $36 million, which gives the Pelicans enough wiggle room to trade for a valuable piece. Throwing Williamson in the mix, they could get two stars.

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Is it time for Pelicans to let go of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram?

Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have been the faces of the New Orleans Pelicans for five seasons. Throughout that time, the Pelicans never made any significant impact in the league. The duo of Williamson and Ingram have never made a deep playoff run and are consistently absent on the hardwood.

Since the beginning of Zion Williamson's NBA career, he had already been prone to injuries. He has never completed all 82 games in a season and always finds himself hurt for long periods every other season. Zion has only played in less than 30 games twice in his career already. This season, it appears that the star forward might add his third season, he played less than 30 games.

As for Brandon Ingram, while he has done his best to remain available for the Pelicans, his running the show never translated into something significant. It's also worth pointing out that Ingram is also injury-prone, just not as bad as Williamson.

Given these factors, it's clear that New Orleans needs players who can remain consistent and be readily available on the hardwood. With both stars' contracts having a huge sum, the Pelican could land a better gem by the trade deadline.