As the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline quickly approaches, one team to keep an eye on is the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pelicans have had a terrible season thus far as they currently hold a 7-31 record, which is the worst in the Western Conference and the second worst in the NBA ahead of the Washington Wizards.

Most of the Pelicans’ struggles have come because of the plethora of injuries their roster has suffered. Almost every player on their roster has missed significant time with an injury this season, including their star duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

Because of this, New Orleans is expected to be major sellers ahead of the trade deadline. While most trade rumors circling the team have been about them trading away Ingram, another player who has entered those rumors is Zion.

One team who has been linked as a possible trade destination for Zion is the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors had a great start to the season but they have struggled over the past few months and now sit ninth in the West standings. Because of this they are expected to try and add talent around Stephen Curry, and one name who has been mentioned is Zion.

During a recent radio appearance on KNBR 680’s Murph & Murphy, Marc J. Spears reported that Zion will not be pursued by the Warriors ahead of the trade deadline.

“I also did hear that Zion’s not on the [Warriors] radar,” Spears said. “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.”

With Spears’ report, it seems unlikely that the Warriors make a trade for Zion and instead look elsewhere to upgrade their roster. Of course, Zion’s injury history may scare some teams away and that is likely a reason the Warriors will not pursue him.

With the Warriors now out on Zion, if the Pelicans decide to move him, they will have to find another team willing to take the risk on acquiring the former first-overall pick.

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This story was originally published January 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM.