Victory, victory! The first win of the season! Zion suddenly suffered a hamstring injury.

Oh, my dear big guy.

The Pelicans officially announced:Zion has a grade 1 strain in his left hamstring and will undergo a recheck in 7-10 days.

According to statistics, Zion has missed games in the past four seasons due to hamstring injuries. Over seven seasons, he has only appeared in 219 regular-season games, and his playoff record is almost blank. This 2019 top draft pick has continuously failed to live up to public expectations, causing repeated disappointment.

It's really awkward to say,In the first game Zion missed, the Pelicans defeated the Hornets 116-112, securing their first win of the season and ending a humiliating six-game losing streak. They currently stand at 1-6, still at the bottom of the Western Conference.

This summer, Zion made a determined effort to lose weight, but not only did it fail to improve his injury issues, it also led to a decline in his offensive efficiency. So far this season, he averages 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.4 turnovers, and 2 steals per game, with a career-low shooting percentage of 48.7%. His mid-to-long range jump shots are almost negligible, practically nonexistent.

It is worth mentioning,Earlier, US media CBS suggested that the Pelicans should trade Zion while his physique is still good and he can still play, as this would slightly improve his trade value. However, right after this suggestion, it seemed as if Zion caught wind and promptly ended up on the injured list...

Zion’s current contract runs through the summer of 2028, with a salary of $39.45 million this season. The 2026-27 ($42.17 million) and 2027-28 ($44.89 million) seasons are non-guaranteed contracts, meaning any team acquiring him could waive him next summer without any financial penalty.

Actually, Zion’s contract is the most valuable asset in any trade. Teams don’t have to worry about being stuck with a bad deal and can manage him flexibly. If the gamble pays off, everyone wins; if not, the burden is minimal. This player is likely to face the most critical turning point of his career around mid-season.

As for which teams are currently interested in acquiring Zion? After checking major news platforms, it seems there isn’t a single one.