New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has long been the subject of NBA trade rumors. The former number one overall pick has been plagued by injuries during the first 6+ years of his career, playing in just 241 of 515 possible games (46.7%). But he is still considered to be one of the most physically gifted athletes in the league when he is on the floor, and could still fetch some solid return value if the Pelicans do decide to pull the trigger on a trade this year.
NBA Rumors: Warriors, Bulls Favored To Land Zion Williamson
The oddsmakers at BetOnline have given their thoughts on the subject, and we take a look at the three teams that are most likely to land Zion Williamson if he is traded:
Golden State Warriors (+300)
Essentially every big name that is on the NBA trade block has some kind of rumors connecting them with the Warriors. Golden State has made clear that they are looking to upgrade their current roster, mostly in an attempt to maximize the final years of Stephen Curry’s career, and have been linked to guys like Michael Porter Jr. and even Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But if their plans fall through for those players, Williamson could become an option. A team built around elite shooting and experienced wing play could use a dynamic interior scorer and mismatch creator to bolster their title chances. Golden State’s ability to space the floor would theoretically give Williamson more room to operate than in New Orleans’ crowded offensive sets.
Chicago Bulls (+400)
The Bulls have hovered around the .500 mark in each of the last three seasons, and they appear to be headed for the same fate in 2025-26. If they want to accelerate their rebuild and look to move away from the Play-In Tournament for a change, then a trade for Williamson could be a possibility.
The Bulls have assets that could be attractive to New Orleans, including young players and draft compensation. But the skepticism again centers on the Pelicans’ current reluctance to trade Zion, combined with Chicago’s unclear path to contention with Zion’s injury volatility. There is also the issue of Williamson playing the same position as Matas Buzelis, who is one of the up-and-coming pieces on the Bulls’ roster averaging 14.8 points per game in his second season.
Miami Heat (+500)
When talking about possible trade destinations for big names in the NBA, it is almost impossible to leave out the Miami Heat. Pat Riley is always on the search for the next big name on the market, whether it be through free agency or trade, and this situation should be no different. Like the Bulls, the Heat have been a perennial Play-In team, and could be looking to break that mold by making a bold move before the trade deadline.
But would Miami be willing to meet New Orleans’ asking price? The team has been reluctant in the past to part ways with guys like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, who currently make up their core, but it might be necessary if they want to make a big splash in 2026.
