If the New Orleans Pelicans decided they were done with Zion Williamson, it would be hard to blame them. Six seasons have passed since they made him the first overall pick of the 2019 draft, and he's made 30 or fewer appearances in all but two of them.

“Trades are going to be the marquee aspect because there’s a number of high-level players [available] and there aren’t really any marquee free agents,” adds another team’s salary cap strategist. Utah Jazz vs. Chicago Bulls Overtone: Deja Vu Anyone? Bulls at Jazz on National TV

To boost their roster and compete for the championship next year against Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors had a clear plan. In the 2025 NBA Free Agency, they were going to trade Jonathan Kuminga via Sign&Trade. However, things have changed.