Injuries, injuries and then some more injuries. This pretty much sums up the Pelicans season so far. And of course, add the awful 5-20 record to it. But with December 15 approaching, they just might get some lifelines to save their season. While Zion Williamson has been of no practical use to the franchise despite all his talent in the world, he just might be the key to a better future in NOLA.

With trade reports emerging from all fronts, the news from the Pelicans side is of some significance, given the team’s current condition. Brandon Ingram has been a constant feature in the trade columns. That intensified even more with him aligning himself with Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports Group. But trade alerts are also ringing around Zion.

According to Keith Smith, “Talks now could set the stage for a summer move. If New Orleans resets around a core of Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones and draft picks, they could move the others to hasten that reset, including whoever they get with a likely high draft pick.” And among those others, Zion Williamson is a name.

Trade specialist, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently revealed his conversation with an anonymous NBA exec. The unnamed one believes Zion at the moment, with all his injury situations, is only valued for one first-round draft pick.

If this scenario remains the plan for the Pelicans front office moving forward, then expect some calls to be fielded to the 29 other teams in the league.

Apart from Zion, CJ McCollum is another candidate to be traded if the Pels hit the reset button. Ingram and his recent lengthy injury, however, might compel the franchise to wait for now before making anymore. So, for some trade action, the best case scenario is February and if not, summer will be the time when all hell breaks loose. Amid all of this, his former Pelicans teammate offered a piece of wisdom for him.

Jrue Holiday suggests Zion Williamson needs a change

During his appearance on Podcast P with Paul George, Celtics star Jrue Holiday shared his thoughts on his former Pelicans teammate, Zion Williamson, whom he has watched since his rookie season. While Jrue acknowledged Zion’s immense talent and potential, he pointed out that the 24-year-old hasn’t made the same impact accolade-wise because, “Sometimes, it’s about the fit.”

Jrue has earned the right to offer advice, having tucked in two championship titles under his belt with the Bucks and Boston after leaving the Pelicans. However, for the NOP it appears like a far-fetched dream. That doesn’t mean all doors are closed for Zion. The 34-year-old combo guard stated, “Maybe I don’t know if they have to adjust the fit to him down there or if he need to maybe slide out and, like, have a different fit with somebody else. But I feel like he needs a change in some kinda way because he is promising.”

The change might not be within the Pelicans, but perhaps a move this time could give Zion a bigger platform. After all, Jrue believes, “He’s way too good to be going to the play-ins every year.”