Would Detroit Pistons take a huge risk on a draft-day trade?

Detroit Pistons draft: Making a trade around the 2023 NBA Draft

The player I am talking about is Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. I should first say that there is ZERO indication that the Pelicans are interested in moving Zion, who they signed to a max extension just last summer.

But he only played in 29 games this season after missing the entire 2021-22 season, which certainly submarined any chance the Pelicans had to compete in the Western Conference. The Pels were one of the top teams in the league early in the season, but watched their playoff chances evaporate when Zion and Brandon Ingram couldn’t stay on the floor.

New Orleans is a team built around two fragile stars, and may eventually decide that situation is untenable for a team that wants to compete for titles. Would they consider moving Zion for an established scorer and a top-5 pick? Probably not, but here is one that would work:

I don’t think the Pelicans would do this, as Zion has MVP potential, but he has barely played in his four seasons and adding a top-5 pick would give them plenty of ammo to go out and get another star to replace him. There’s also the fact that the Zion drama has sucked the life out of their organization since he was first drafted and played just 24 games in his rookie season. Ask a Pelicans’ fan, they are exhausted.

The Pels could use shooting and Isaiah Stewart is already a better defender than Zion. Let’s also keep in mind that Williamson’s value is at an all time low considering he is coming off another disappointing season and is signed to a massive contract through the 2027-28 season.

So the Pelicans could have some interest if the deal was right, but what about the Detroit Pistons, would he be worth the risk?