Stephen A. Smith makes major Zion Williams prediction live on First Take after NBA star is suspended by team
According to Stephen A. Smith, an NBA star is seeking a trade.
The First Take anchor claims that Zion Williamson is trying to find a way out of New Orleans.
Since his 2019 draft selection, Williamson has been a part of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Williamson’s career, however, has been marred by turmoil and injuries.
In his six-year career, he has only twice participated in a season with more than 60 games.
Williamson has only participated in eight of the Pelicans’ 40 games this season.
Read more on the NBA
NBA makes final decision on Anthony Edwards after ‘obscene’ gesture’ at refs
Sportzino social sportsbook and casino – 150,000 GC + 6 SC in bonus
Even though Williamson hasn’t had much of an impact on the team, Stephen A. has stated that he would like to play for another team.
The statement, “Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans,” from Stephen A.
“He is unwilling to be present. He desires to be in a big market like New York or Los Angeles.
“He wants the marketability.”
NBA fans expressed their displeasure with Williamson’s play and weren’t overly excited by Stephen A.’s offer.
“STOP TRYING TO TAKE STARS AWAY FROM SMALL MARKETS,” tweeted one admirer.
Another fan remarked, “He needs to play more, he doesn’t need to be in a major market.”
“He already has trouble showing up to practice on time in NOLA what does he think is going to happen in LA or NY?” remarked another admirer.
“This year, he has only participated in eight games. A fourth fan remarked, “You have to play to be marketable, regardless of the city he’s in.”
“He is good, but not good enough to justify that salary on 26 games a year,” observed one of the fans.
Teams have plenty of time to inquire about a possible deal for Williamson, as the NBA trade deadline is still a few weeks away.
New rights deal
Three networks and the NBA inked an 11-year agreement for the league’s rights starting in 2025–2026.
Additionally, for the first time since the network’s 1988 debut, TNT will not be hosting any games.
ESPN and ABC will continue to broadcast the league’s 80 regular-season games, according to The Walt Disney Company.
The NBA Finals will continue to be held there, along with about 18 playoff games from the first and second rounds and a Conference Finals series for ten of the eleven years.
For the first time since 2002, NBC will broadcast the NBA again.
Up to 100 games will be broadcast on the network’s channels and Peacock streaming service each season.
In addition, it will host NBA All-Star games and include about 28 first- and second-round playoff games.
NBC will alternate with upstart broadcaster Amazon Prime to telecast one Conference Finals Series for six of the eleven years.
66 NBA regular-season games, including one on Black Friday, will be available on Amazon.
The complete Play-In Tournament and the final stages of the NBA Cup are also available on the streaming service.
Additionally, about one-third of the first- and second-round playoff games will be televised on Prime.
If he is traded, it must happen by Thursday, February 6 at 3 p.m. ET.
There are other players on his club who might be traded besides Williamson.
Moving forward Another player who could be dealt at the deadline is Brandon Ingram.
Read More on The US Sun
Tech bosses get ‘prominent’ inauguration spot as Michelle Obama refuses to come
How to beat ‘Quitter’s Day’ – 7 tips to stay on top of New Year goals for good
Ingram’s five-year, $158.2 million deal with the Pelicans is coming to an end this season.
To avoid losing him needlessly in free agency, the organization might trade him for some draft capital.