New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F Obi Toppin, G Alec Burks, 2022 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2023 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F Zion Williamson
When a team is forced to trade their franchise player, they’re typically looking for either a young potential star or draft capital. In this case, the Knicks are offering a little of the former, and a lot of the latter.
Obi Toppin may not be a household name, but he’s flashed promise during his first two years in the NBA. He’s an impact defender who can guard multiple positions.
His ability to run the floor at his size allows him to cover tremendous ground in transition. If his offense catches up to his defense, he could be a problem in this league.
Meanwhile, the Knicks get the band back together. Zion joins his former Duke teammates RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish. It’s a nice narrative, but it also has the potential to change the league’s landscape.
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As for the Pelicans, they’ll control the Knicks’ draft through to 2026 in addition to landing Toppin. They’d inevitably prefer to hold onto Zion, but this deal has them making the best of a bad situation.
When your franchise player is demanding a trade, that’s the best you can hope for.
