DEAN SIMON
March 1, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) celebrates with guard Tyler Herro (14) after Herro made a three-point basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
With Miami’s Andrew Wiggins beginning to play well next to first-time All-Star guard Tyler Herro and 5-time All-Defensive Team selection Bam Adebayo, recent reports have suggested that their general manager Andy Elisburg may look to swing a major transaction this summer to bring in another bonafide superstar.
In fact, it’s possible that Elisburg and his staff could agree to terms on a franchise-altering trade to land 2-time All-Star Zion Williamson from the New Orleans Pelicans.
“The Jimmy Butler-less Heat seem primed for a shakeup, and president Pat Riley seldom misses an opportunity to chase a distressed asset,” Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley wrote Wednesday.
“Williamson should easily meet that definition. Even if this run has helped restore some value, he won’t cost nearly as much as a player of his caliber normally would.”
At 24 years old, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft has blossomed into an incredible all-around talent through his first five seasons with the Pelicans.
Although the high-flying forward has dealt with constant injury misfortune since his admission to the Association, his skillset cannot be denied.
The 6-foot-6, 284-pound leaper has contributed 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals while knocking down 56.7% of his looks from the floor in 30 appearances this season.
As a prospective acquisition for Miami, Williamson could prove to be the perfect candidate to help lead the group towards title contention in the near future.
Thanks to Williamson’s ridiculous physical attributes, he has become both a consistent rim-running threat and improved shot-blocker, making him a potentially great two-way fit with the offensive-minded Herro and intimidating defensive presence Adebayo.
If Elisburg is looking to take a risk by shipping away several key prospects like Jamie Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware or Nikola Jović along with first-round draft capital for a top-tier talent, contacting New Orleans may become one of his best options this offseason.