The New Orleans Pelicans are getting awfully close to the "it's time to trade Zion Williamson" line, as bitter a pill as that would be to swallow. T

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Miami Heat are preparing to suspend Jimmy Butler for two games for missing the team flight.

Meanwhile, the basketball world buzzes about Zion Williamson's future in New Orleans. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley has identified the Charlotte Hornets as an intriguing destination for the former first-overall pick.

The theory of Zion Williamson is tantalizing. Once described by the great Shea Serrano as "a rhino who learned how to fly," the forward is a rare mixture of speed, power, touch (on his left hand, anyway) and spring-heeled elevation. At his best, Williamson can be the on-court offensive fulcrum and facilitate winning.

Spears' reporting comes hot on the heels of Sam Amick noting the Warriors are unlikely to pursue Jimmy Butler ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. As such, Warriors fans will be wondering whether another star talent will be heading to the Bay Area in the next few weeks or if Steve Kerr must try and challenge with his current roster.

NBA insider Bill Simmons is playing matchmaker and believes the Spurs should zero in on Pelicans forward Zion Williamson.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been ruled out for Friday night's game at the Memphis Grizzlies. Williamson sat out Monday night's victory over Utah with a non-COVID illness and New Orleans announced on Thursday that he would remain out on Friday “due to return to play reconditioning from illness.”

On today's episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by The Ringer's Howard Beck as they do a deep on the latest with Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. The two also preview what could be an underwhelming trade deadline and why the new CBA is stifling player movement across the league.

Zion Williamson was suspended one game by the Pelicans for arriving late to the team’s flight to Philadelphia, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania . He’ll miss New Orleans’ Friday night game against the 76ers as a result.

The New Orleans Pelicans are getting awfully close to the "it's time to trade Zion Williamson" line ... Let's keep this really simple: Jimmy Butler is being paid a shade under $49 million to ...

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