Knicks Rumors: Zion Williamson Trade Was Discussed; Pelicans 'Not Sold' on Star | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson was at the center of trade discussions this offseason, and it appears one Eastern Conference franchise expressed interest in the 2019 No. 1 overall pick.

The New York Knicks "checked in" on Williamson this offseason, Marc Berman, formerly of the New York Post, reported on The Knicks Recap podcast.

"New Orleans is still not sold on Zion Williamson. Obviously there's a risk there, all eyes on him this season," Berman said. "I was told the Knicks had checked in over the offseason about Zion. That could be a possibility."

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The Knicks 'checked in' about Zion Williamson this offseason.<a href="">@NYPost_Berman</a> on The Knicks trading for a star: "New Orleans is still not sold on Zion Williamson. Obviously there's a risk there, all eyes on him this season. I was told the Knicks checked in over the offseason… <a href="">

Trade buzz involving Williamson reached its peak ahead of the 2023 NBA draft.

The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania reported on June 12 that the Pels were "seriously pursuing" a trade for the second or third overall picks in the draft because they were high on Scoot Henderson.

New Orleans' interest in acquiring a top-three pick sent Williamson trade rumors over the edge as he was considered arguably the franchise's top asset despite his injury history.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst also reported on June 14 that teams around the NBA were wondering if Williamson would be available in the team's pursuit of a top draft pick.

After the Pelicans didn't trade up in the draft, rumors surrounding Williamson died down. Charania reported on July 10 during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show that he "wouldn't count on" the veteran being moved ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

"I think the potential of him getting traded… a lot of that rested on the Pelicans trying to get in the top two, top three (of the NBA draft)," Charania said.

Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin also said on SiriusXM NBA Radio (h/t Kurt Helin of NBC Sports) over the summer that the franchise never had discussions about a trade involving Williamson.

"We never had a single conversation that Zion was part of. I think people perceive that we would be willing to move off of Zion because of all the injuries, because there's always so much noise around Zion," Griffin said. "And fortunately for us, the noise never actually matches what we're really experiencing."

Additionally, ESPN's Andrew Lopez.reported last month that the Pels never had "serious" talks about moving Williamson ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

If the Knicks "checked in" on Williamson, it's possible that things never advanced beyond cursory discussions.

Williamson would have been a great addition to the New York lineup alongside Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle, especially considering both the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics got better this offseason.

With the beginning of the 2023-24 season right around the corner, Williamson is likely staying put. Perhaps trade rumors will pop up again around the deadline if he suffers another injury or New Orleans isn't meeting expectations.