美记：鹈鹕不想直接裁掉锡安，但他最多也就能换个次轮签（美媒称：鹈鹕无意直接裁掉锡安，其交易回报顶多只是一个次轮签）

Analyzing trade rumors

It sounds like there are some rumors about Zion Williamson and his trade value. I should clarify if the user wants source verification, a quick analysis of his trade value, or implications under the collective bargaining agreement. Realistically, as an All-NBA caliber player, he wouldn't have a "second-round" trade value in 2024-25 unless there are off-court issues or significant injuries. His contract is a five-year rookie max extension worth up to $231 million, which complicates any potential waiving or stretching options under NBA rules.Explaining the stretch provision

I need to clarify the stretch provision for contracts signed after 2017. If a player is waived between July 1 and August 31, the remaining guaranteed salary gets stretched over twice the remaining years plus one. If waived outside this window, the cap hit is just for the current year, plus a stretch for future seasons. For example, if three years are left, it could mean a seven-year stretch. Zion's deal started in 2023-24 and runs through 2027-28, with a player option potentially included.Clarifying Zion's contract and trade value

Zion's five-year extension starts in the 2023-24 season and runs through 2027-28, without a player option. There might be some partial guarantees and injury protections that turn non-guaranteed if he re-injures his foot, though he has mostly been healthy this season. It seems the user wants my opinion. I believe his trade value is definitely more than a second-round pick. The Pelicans likely won't waive him, and if they did, they'd still owe salary. His on-court production justifies a higher value, typically involving multiple first-round picks contingent on factors like health and any clauses.Discussing Zion's trade value and CBA rules

I suggest checking the source about who "美记" (US reporter) is. If the user wants a source verification, I can ask them. I can propose potential trade packages, like multiple first-round picks plus salary matching, or if things look rough, a matching salary plus one protected first-round pick. The salary matching rule under the CBA is 125% plus $250k for over-cap teams, like the Pelicans.

I’ll keep my tone friendly and provide concise bullets in Chinese. Here’s a draft:

• 这个说法的可信度较低；从竞技与合同角度看，锡安不可能只值“次轮签”。
• 近两年健康时，他场均20+高效得分，季后赛也有影响力。
• 在联盟中，这个年龄和潜力的球员通常底价是多个首轮加优质新秀，或者交换另一位全明星级别的资产。Clarifying contract and trade dynamics

When we look at Zion's contract, it's a five-year max deal that is fully guaranteed but has some injury protection clauses. Even if waived, the Pelicans would incur substantial dead money, making it impractical.

Regarding trade mechanics, most teams are over the cap and must match salaries (around 125% plus $250k), so even if his value declines, a return of only a second-round pick is unlikely.

His value would only drop to that level with serious, long-term injuries or a toxic contract. I suggest verifying the original source of any claims - finding out who said it, the language used, and the timing. If you share a link or screenshot, I can help check the context.

What would you like me to do? 1) Verify the source 2) Break down the costs of waiving/stretching from CBA rules 3) Propose hypothetical trade packages 4) Analyze the Pelicans' path forward.