Warriors may cut ties with Brandin Podziemski in favor of Pelicans’ $197 million star | Sporting News

The Golden State Warriors added a steady point guard in Dennis Schröder on Sunday, but there’s still more work to be done during the trade season. 

The franchise could take a risk by acquiring a New Orleans Pelicans superstar with a concerning injury history.

“Now, Zion (Williamson) is interesting here just because he is injured right now [and] we don’t know when he is coming back,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks said Friday. 

“For him to be on the court, that’s how you can get the most value for him, either in a trade or with the Pelicans. I’ve always circled Golden State, (who) would be certainly that team there for for Zion.”

“If you’re looking for that next superstar that maybe can have that upside — I think Williamson can be that guy if he’s healthy — and when you look at it, what would New Orleans or Golden State have to give up in a trade?” 

“Andrew Wiggins certainly is that big trade number, and then you look at a player like Brandin Podziemski, for example, and then we’re going to put Kevon Looney in there,” Marks said.

“So, certainly, Golden State, if you don’t have to give up and you’re looking for that potential All-Star out there on a low risk — there.”

Williamson is a terrific young player with unlimited potential, but he’s struggled to remain on the hardwood since joining the NBA in 2019. 

The two-time All-Star has missed an absurd number of regular season games due to injuries, making it challenging for him to grow as a player in the big leagues. 

Williamson averages 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest on 45.2% three-point shooting in the present, but a left hamstring strain has kept the Duke product out of 20 contests this season. 

Podziemski has regressed slightly after becoming a fan favorite with the Warriors as a rookie, but swapping him for an injury-prone star wouldn’t benefit the Warriors in the long run.

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