Will the 2019 top two draft picks both be traded? Zion's weight loss efficiency hits a new low, and Morant's playing style faces serious issues.

On November 4th Beijing time, over six years ago, Zion and Morant entered the NBA together; now, more than six years later, these top two picks might both be traded. Well-known American media CBS reviewed their current status and believes both have a chance to switch teams this season.

Should the winless Pelicans move Zion?

As of now, the Pelicans are 0-6, one of only two teams in the league without a victory. The other is the Nets (0-7), who are intentionally tanking. However, the Pelicans—more precisely, Joe Dumars’ offseason moves—have been unusually aggressive, resembling a team aiming for a championship run.

First, they traded the Pacers’ 2026 first-round pick (which, given the Pacers’ current 1-6 record, is likely a high pick) to acquire this year’s 23rd pick, then packaged that 23rd pick along with their own 2026 unprotected first-rounder to the Hawks for the 13th pick, selecting Derek Quinn (currently averaging 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds).

Even more surprising, they traded away McCollum, whose contract is expiring, to get Poole, who still has two years left on his deal—bearing in mind they just used the 8th pick to draft point guard Fils, and still owe Dejounte Murray over $90 million over the next three years.

There are only two sensible reasons for a team to give up an unprotected first-round pick for the next year. Either you believe your team will perform well this season, so next year’s pick won’t be high—in other words, the Pelicans genuinely think they can rise in the competitive Western Conference.

Or, you believe the player selected with that pick has exceptional talent, worth risking what could be the 2026 top draft pick (this draft class is loaded with talent). But if that’s the case, why did Quinn receive less than 7 minutes in the recent game? In the second quarter against the Thunder, the Pelicans trailed by 20 points, yet Quinn didn’t enter until 6 minutes and 51 seconds remained in the fourth quarter.

If this kid is truly the Pelicans’ next star, why isn’t he getting more development time even during garbage minutes when the game is out of reach? Meanwhile, Zion, the current core, was highly praised early in the season for maintaining good conditioning, but now his shooting percentage is only 48.7%—data shows all his shots this season during non-garbage time have come within 14 feet (about 4.3 meters), which is shockingly low for him.

CBS pointed out that although Zion’s efficiency has dropped to a career low, he is still able to play on the court, maintains decent physical condition, and remains a clear threat—meaning he still holds some trade value. The Pelicans really should seize the opportunity to trade him.

Indeed, it takes courage to trade away a player who could have become a superstar but failed to deliver on your team, yet New Orleans’ situation is already a complete mess. The team atmosphere is bleak, so they should get whatever they can from Zion while possible.

CBS also stated that the Pelicans should have done this long ago. If they hadn’t made so many reckless moves, they would still hold the Pacers’ 2026 pick and their own, and could have tanked for a high draft pick. But now, clinging to the fantasy that “Zion might suddenly succeed” will only set the team back further. It’s time to trade Zion and cut losses—provided they can find a buyer, even if it means accepting a minimal return.

The Grizzlies should also consider trading Morant.

Zion was the 2019 draft’s first overall pick, and Morant was the second. Less than nine months ago, Grizzlies GM Clemmons said the team would not trade Morant, and he seemed sincere then, but the player has long had numerous health and off-court issues. Since then, he has been involved in pushing out one coach and openly challenging another’s authority.

The Grizzlies have deliberately chosen to regress, no longer being realistic contenders in the short term. This offseason, Morant was eligible for an extension, but the Grizzlies, seeing he still has three years left on a large contract, did not opt for an additional two-year extension. From a certain perspective, Clemmons might be right. The Grizzlies may not trade Morant, but this is not by choice—even if they wanted to, they might not get fair value.

His contract, injuries, and controversies speak volumes. Over time, his style of play has become increasingly problematic. In more than six seasons, Morant has averaged about 6.4 three-point attempts per 100 possessions with a 31.3% shooting rate, while his attempts within three feet of the basket have steadily declined every season.

Morant is not only struggling to stay healthy but also stagnating in development. Teams holding many first-round picks—like the Thunder, Rockets, Jazz, Nets, and Spurs—won’t touch Morant. Why? Because they have enough assets to carefully select other, more suitable players.

Will Zion and Morant both be traded before this season’s trade deadline? Everyone is welcome to share their opinions.