Trade Zion? Keep him? Cut him? New Orleans' options ahead of the deadline

Zion Williamson scored 40 points in four minutes in New Orleans Pelicans ' first -round play-in game.

Williamson landed awkwardly and limped off the floor with a towel over his head during the next timeout.

He didn't play the rest of the game and ultimately the remainder of the postseason.

Williamson 's $36.2 million salary for this season becomes fully guaranteed Jan. 7 .

The Pelicans are focused on moving Williamson ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

New Orleans does not consider releasing Zion Williamson to create financial flexibility.

The Pelicans don't believe slicing payroll by releasing Williamson would be a realistic option.

The Warriors are exploring the market for an All-Star to pair next to Stephen Curry .

ESPN talked to two team executives at the recent G-League showcase in Orlando .

"It would be complicated with his salary, but I think it would be doable." Other league sources believed that if the Pelicans moved Williamson , their best bet would be reaching out to rebuilding teams. "Maybe there's a bad team that needs a star," another West executive said. "I don't think he's getting a premium picks package, but the guy has proven that when he's healthy, he's a star.".