Boston Celtics rumors: No, Zion Williamson will never rock the shamrock

One of the future faces of the NBA would look great in a Boston Celtics uniform.  Actually, Zion Williamson would look great in any uniform as long as he is happy and want to be there.

Besides the Celtics having their own future face of the NBA in Jayson Tatum, the drama brewing in New Orleans regarding Williamson’s happiness or lack thereof with the Pelicans has rumors starting to swirl about his next destination.

According to a report from The Athletic, the same source that dropped the Luka Doncic potential bombshell, Zion Williamson and his family have been a bit perturbed with how the organization has handled the rising star.

In the report, per Clutch Points, part of the dismay was over the coaching of now former head coach Stan Van Gundy.

"“The Pels made changes to their support staff to fit Williamson’s wishes over the offseason, and he returned in much better physical condition.  But for most of this season, certain Williamson family members voiced displeasure with the organization.  Among the targets of their criticism was Van Gundy, who they felt was too rigid and demanding as head coach, but also with the Pelicans, which they claim did not live up to what they felt should be the standard for a star like Williamson.  Numerous opposing league executives had heard the complaints, and they were confirmed by Pelicans officials.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

This does not sound like a healthy relationship down in New Orleans at all. It actually doesn’t sound like anything the Celtics want any part of.  Of course, the Pelicans’ organization will do everything they possibly can to hold onto a talent like Williamson.  They started with the firing of Van Gundy.  But the question is…will that be enough?

New Orleans Pelicans would target Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum

Just like the Anthony Davis situation, the Pelicans are starting to head down that same path with Williamson.

Unless you’ve had amnesia over the past few years, the Celtics were linked to Davis but wouldn’t give up Jayson Tatum.  But, unlike Zion, Davis was entering the last year of his deal.  The Celtics weren’t giving up a future star for a one-year rental.  This situation is a bit different and New Orleans may not want to repeat history.

So, will they make a trade now to prevent a further rift in the future?

The answer to that probably depends on who they hire as the next head coach and what they do to surround Williamson with the players he and his family feel maximizes the talent of the young star.

But, if he has a destination already in mind, he’s going to look for a reason to want out no matter how much the Pelicans cater to his needs.

To be clearer, if Zion Williamson wants to play in New York, that is where he is going to be.  Knicks fans should be very intrigued about this brewing situation in New Orleans.  Other teams, like the Celtics should just admire from afar because it’s going to take Tatum to land Zion.  Is that something Boston should even consider?

I’d say no unless the team feels Zion has a bigger upside than Tatum.

Why the Boston Celtics should stay clear of any Zion Williamson situation

Unlike Luka Doncic, a trade for Williamson wouldn’t benefit the Celtics in the long run.

Basically, all Brad Stevens would be doing is shifting the drama in New Orleans to Boston.  That doesn’t mean the Celtics are as dysfunctional as the Pelicans, but the team would have to provide a much better situation for the rising star.

As far as how he compares to Tatum, Williamson averaged 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds a game.  He isn’t the complete scorer Tatum is, but he is an absolute force and only growing better as a player.

No one is saying obtaining the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft wouldn’t be exhilarating, but to give up a player like Jayson Tatum for a potential flight risk is not worth it.  So, before Boston Celtics fans start dreaming of trade scenarios (Jaylen Brown won’t land you Zion), it’s probably more realistic in preparing to see him even more as an opponent.

He has the New York Knicks written all over him.  Not only does he desire to play there, but they also have to cap space to get it done.

Therefore, Zion Williamson will never wear the shamrock because he is primed for the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.

That’s what the NBA probably wants as well.