New Orleans saw their longtime wishes come true on media day. Zion Williamson looked unrecognizable, undergoing a wild physical transformation. “I haven’t felt like this since college, high school,” those were words Pelicans fans were itching to hear from their cornerstone. However, they might not get the time to enjoy it, according to an insider.

Recently, San Quinn combined a list of players he feels could be traded during the season. Surprisingly, he suspects the Pelicans might entertain incoming offers for their 2019 number one pick. Quinn understands that a healthy Zion Williamson serves as an exceptional forward. The reason he feels the Pelicans might bite is their draft choices.

“The Pelicans aren’t building as though they expect to keep Williamson. It’s hard to see him and 2025 lottery pick Derik Queen being compatible. They’re both ball-handling power forwards with defensive vulnerabilities and conditioning issues. New Orleans used its other pick on Jeremiah Fears, another high-usage ball-handler without a proven jumper. Their big free agent addition, Kevon Looney, is yet another non-shooter,” he wrote for CBS Sports.

These are only a few names. The Pelicans still have shooters in both their wings, and have also added Jordan Poole to the equation. But that’s just it. The Pelicans might very well look at the former Warriors as the foundation to build around. Getting a former teammate of his is another indication that the Pelicans are “eyeing a post-Williamson future,”.

Sure, there are some hints. NOLA has also spent years awaiting Zion Williamson to have a healthy season. Maybe the time has come to start fresh, utilizing some of their other key assets. But Williamson came in as a phenom and a thunderous athlete. When he is on the court, there’s an evident shift in the Pelicans’ optimism. And now, he might actually be at his best.

Zion Williamson could change the Pelicans’ minds

Zion Williamson’s time with the Pelicans hasn’t just been marred by long-term absences. The former number one pick has also had to battle with off-court controversies. Analysts questioned his focus, as his weight became the center focus. Amidst all of this, Williamson took the offseason to restructure his workout program.

“We came up with a plan, from boxing to working out on the football field a lot, to just different random workouts,” Williamson said about his transformation. That’s when he felt a “shift” in how he felt. And Williamson is fixated on maintaining these standards. The Pelicans have to be listening to their ace committing to being at his physical peak.

What does that produce? The 25-year-old has never averaged under 22 points in his career. His tangibles are also franchise-altering. Williamson is a thunderous athlete who can score at great efficiency. If there were any defensive holes in the past, a much slimmed-down version of him is an encouraging improvement.

The Pelicans, coming off a 21-61 record, have also created a dynamic roster. Williamson has a creator in Poole, which could unlock a great duo. Murthy and Herbert Jones are budding two-way forwards with the ability to expand their game. They have a chance at resurgence and building a foundation for the long term.

For that, they might be tempted to keep this core together for one full season, given Zion Williamson’s transformation allows him to stay healthy.