NBA Rumors: Zion, McCollum Available for Trade; Trey Murphy III Among Untouchables

The New Orleans Pelicans apparently are ready to rebuild.

According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, the team is willing to potentially trade its veteran stars like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum this season, or at least field offers.

Per that report: "While naturally resistant to trade inquiries for their younger gems—Herb Jones, rookie Yves Missi and Trey Murphy III—word is that the Pelicans are essentially open to trade pitches for pretty much anyone else on the roster apart from those three amid a 5-21 start and more injury woe than even Philadelphia."

The question, of course, is just how much value any of Williamson, Ingram or McCollum will have on the market.

Williamson is undoubtedly talented, but staying healthy remains a huge issue. Given that he's on the first year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract, teams might balk at taking on those injury risks, or at the very least balk at giving up major assets to do so.

Ingram, meanwhile, will be a free agent after the season, and any team adding him will likely want assurances he would sign an extension. That will gum up the works in trade talks.

And McCollum is 33 and still has two years and $63.9 million remaining on his contract. He remains a solid player when healthy, but his own injury concerns and that big contract may make him less appealing for potential suitors.