The New Orleans Pelicans are poised to make a significant move by trading for Kevin Durant ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, signaling their intention to maintain the Zion Williamson Pelicans trade and future prospects alive. While Williamson has struggled with injuries throughout his six-year tenure, the team hopes to build around him by adding the veteran superstar Durant to their roster.
The Phoenix Suns, facing a disappointing 2024 season and limited future assets, are reportedly considering trading Durant despite having one year left on his $194 million contract. Though New Orleans is not often mentioned as a likely destination for the two-time NBA champion, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman has outlined a potential trade that would send Durant to the Pelicans.
Details of the Potential Trade Between Pelicans and Suns
According to Wasserman, the Pelicans would receive Kevin Durant, while the Suns would acquire multiple assets including the No. 7 pick in the upcoming draft, CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, Jordan Hawkins, a 2029 top-three protected first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick swap via the Milwaukee Bucks. This haul would give Phoenix valuable youth and draft capital to aid a rebuild.
The No. 7 selection is projected to allow Phoenix to secure Khaman Maluach, a promising center from the Duke Blue Devils, alongside Hawkins and future picks. Following this trade, the Suns might also seek to move veterans Bradley Beal and Devin Booker to further increase their pool of young players and draft assets.
Pelicans Betting on Williamson’s Health to Build Around Durant
This proposed transaction carries considerable risk for New Orleans, as Zion Williamson’s availability has been a major concern over his career, with only two seasons surpassing 60 games played. Nevertheless, at 24 years old, the Pelicans appear willing to wager on the potential of sustaining a healthier Williamson, whose talent remains undeniable when healthy, showcased by his athleticism on offense and defense.
Durant, at 36, is nearing the twilight of his career, which underscores the urgency for New Orleans to assemble a solid supporting cast swiftly. The combination of an elite scorer like Durant with a rejuvenated Williamson could position the Pelicans as a formidable contender within the Western Conference, provided the front office fills out the roster with productive contributors.
Maintaining the Zion Williamson Pelicans trade and future prospects alive through acquiring Kevin Durant might define the franchise’s direction leading into the 2025 NBA Draft, marking a pivotal moment to shift from rebuilding to genuine contention.
“The additions of Maluach, Hawkins, and the pair of first-round picks would bring Phoenix a step closer to having its future back.”
—Jonathan Wasserman, NBA Analyst
“There’s no denying his talent on both ends of the floor when he’s on it, as he’s regularly seen throwing down monstrous dunks and swatting shots off the backboard.”
—Jonathan Wasserman, NBA Analyst