Why the Pelicans, Grizzlies should bother trading Tree Young with the Hawks, Wizards

The stakes have never been higher around basketball on Beale Street or Bourbon Street. EVP Zach Kleiman’s Memphis Grizzlies started another new season of bad; Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. they fail to launch their respective rounds of redemption. The same applies to Zion Williamson‘s New Orleans Pelicans. After a few years defined by suspensions, injuries and an unusual silence in the postseason, the roar should soon return to the FedEx Forum and the Smoothie King Center.

Fortunately, both organizations know that this season is a training ground, an audition and a survival test all rolled into one. The Grizzlies know that too CJ McCollum he’s been a dream killer for a decade. The best way to avoid getting burned? Take the NBPA president in a blue Beale Street uniform. The Pelicans could use this opportunity to get out of the Zion Williamson deal with a decent return.

Now that it is the trade framework was announcedthere is little time to expand. Zach Kleiman and Joe Dumars need to come forward soon. This four-team deal helps the Grizzlies while keeping Zion Williamson away from the New Orleans Pelicans.

• Atlanta Hawks
  • Incoming: Zion Williamson, Jose Alvaradosecond round elections
  • Starting Five: Dyson Daniels, Nikhil Alexander-Walker, Jaylen Johnson, Williamson, Kristaps Porzingis

The Hawks can avoid the conundrum of CJ McCollum’s aging by turning to the higher-ceiling Zion Williamson gamble. All it costs is an All-Star who’s leaving anyway and a first-round pick that looks like it’s paying the Pelicans an 80% return on their own money. Atlanta keeps the 2026 top pick (originally owned by the Pelicans) and sends the other back to New Orleans. Jose Alvarado helps fill the ball-handling void, bolstering a bench unit led by Onyeka Okongwu, Whit Krejci and Luke Kennard. Rookie Asa Newell is developing with Williamson and Johnson, giving Atlanta a great frontcourt of the future.

• Memphis Grizzlies
  • Incoming: Corey Kispert, CJ McCollum, three second-round picks (via VAS)
  • Starting Five: Ja Morant, Jalen Wells, Cedric Coward, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Eddy

EVP/GM Zach Kleiman is pivoting Kentavious Caldwell-Popethe long-suffering Brandon Clark, the all-but-forgotten GG Jackson, and two first-round picks for two absolutely solid, consistent contributors. The Orlando Magic had to send a first-round pick to Memphis in the Desmond Bain deal to shed Caldwell-Pope, so this is net neutral in the grand scheme of things for the Grizzlies. McCollum’s contract coming off the books adds flexibility in the offseason.

Wells, Coward, Jackson Jr. and Zach Eddy give Tuomas Iisal a backbone of All-NBA defenders. The defensive deficiencies of McCollum and Ja Morant would be largely negated. Santi Aldama, Ty Jerome and Cam Spencer occupy space and allow for versatile lineups looking for a matchup. Vince Williams Jr. would fight in a few minutes. Someone would be completely squeezed out. However, the Grizzlies also wouldn’t be hard placed; they would even have enough salary left over to make another All-Star move and avoid the luxury tax.

• New Orleans Pelicans
  • Incoming: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Clarke, 2026 first-round pick (via ATL)
  • Starting Five: Dejounte Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Clarke, Trey Murphy III, Derrick Queen

The Pelicans are not forced to deal future first-round pick Zion Williamson, whose value has declined in multiple reports. Two capable veterans bolstering the roster and a 2026 first-round pick is probably the best deal coming before NBA trade deadline. Alvardo soon left as an unrestricted free agent.

Assuming Dejounte Murray is healthy soon, the Pelicans will then look to trade Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney for another big All-Star contract like Lauri Markkanen. Jeremiah Fears, who is battling the proverbial wall of rookies, would move to the bench to fill out the point guard rotation. Sadiq Bey and Yves Missy can play a medley with Trey Murphy III as the Queen grows into an All-Star role.

• Washington Wizards
  • Incoming: Trae YoungGG Jackson, 2027 first round pick (via MEM)
  • Starting Five: Young, Tre Johnson, Khris Middleton, Keeshon George, Alex Sarr

Trae Young wants to lead the very young Wizards for the next few years, and it’s hard to attract free agents to the nation’s capital. They can hold out and get anything they want, but why not more? The Wizards started the season holding 10 first-round picks through 2032. They also have 17 second-rounders, so they can afford to part with a few to facilitate this deal. They would get another young prospect and a first round pick.

Bilal Coulibaly is an excellent effort by Young. Johnson should find a lot more freedom, opportunities and positive stats with the help of Young. Middleton is out this summer, so Cam Whitmore is stepping into the starting lineup after the All-Star break. Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, Tristan Vukcevic, GG Jackson and two-way Will Riley can learn from their mistakes together as a second unit. This summer, the front office would be about $100 million on the books, $60 million under the salary cap and approximately $100 million under the luxury tax line.