NBA Trade Rumors: Zion Williamson Isn't on Warriors' Radar Ahead of 2025 Deadline
January 8, 2025
The Golden State Warriors are hoping to add another star player before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, but one expert believes they've already ruled out a promising young talent.
During a radio appearance on KNBR 680's "Murph & Markus," Andscape's Marc J. Spears reported that New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson won't be included in the Warriors' pursuits ahead of the trade deadline.
"I also did hear that Zion's not on the [Warriors] radar," Spears said (h/t Taylor Wirth of NBC Sports Bay Area). "Which, I know others might feel differently, but probably a good thing. Because with Zion, you just don't know what you're going to get and when he's going to be healthy, and his [salary cap] number's rather high as well. I just think the Warriors in the end will get someone in a very creative way. They actually have to."
Golden State's hesitance to trade for Williamson is understandable, as the 2019 No. 1 pick has continued to have trouble overcoming the injury woes that have plagued him throughout his young career. He was out since Nov. 6 due to a hamstring injury before making his return in Tuesday's 104-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, which was just his seventh game played this year.
The Warriors have lost back-to-back games and rank third in the Pacific Division with an 18-18 record. While star point guard Stephen Curry is still performing at a high level with 22.8 points per game, no other player on the team is averaging more than 17 points.
It can be expected that Golden State will be aggressive in trying to add talent around Curry, but it sounds like Williamson won't be an option before this year's deadline.