Should the 76ers and Pelicans Swap Tyrese Maxey and Zion Williamson?

NBA Trade Rumors: Should the 76ers and Pelicans Swap Tyrese Maxey and Zion Williamson?

The Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans entered the season with championship aspirations, but now they’re both lottery-bound, facing critical decisions about their futures.

Different Paths, Same Destination

• The 76ers landed Paul George on a $212M deal but have been derailed by injuries—especially to Joel Embiid.
• The Pelicans took a big swing on Dejounte Murray, but Zion Williamson's health issues have defined their season.

Now, both teams face a pivotal offseason, and a potential Maxey-for-Zion trade looms as an intriguing, albeit risky, possibility.

Would the Sixers Risk Their Future on Zion?

• Maxey is the safer bet—he’s young, durable, and still improving.
• Zion is the superstar swing—if healthy, he can be the best player on a title team.
• Pairing Embiid, George, and Zion creates an East contender—but health risks are astronomical.

Would the Pelicans Trade Their Franchise Star?

• Zion is dominant when healthy, but New Orleans has no stability with him.
• Maxey gives them consistency, fits well with Trey Murphy, and could pair with a top draft pick like Cooper Flagg.

  Final Verdict: A Trade Worth Discussing, But Not a Lock

  • The risk is enormous for Philly—but they may need to take a gamble.
  • The Pelicans get long-term stability, but give up a superstar ceiling.

  It’s a conversation worth having—maybe even at the bar on a Saturday night—but whether either team pulls the trigger is another story.