The New Orleans Pelicans were supposed to be getting one of the top superstars in the NBA when they drafted Zion Williamson with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Unfortunately, what the team has received from Williamson since that draft has not been up to the expectations. He has dealt with numerous injury issues and his conditioning and shape have been questioned quite often.
Despite all of the disappointment over the years, the Pelicans have reminded loyal to Williamson. They remain hopeful that the 25-year-old forward can get his career back on track.
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 08, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 08, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
With that in mind, plenty of trade rumors have come out regarding Williamson. It has been speculated that New Orleans could choose to move on at some point.
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While those rumors have been out there swirling around, the Pelicans do not appear to be at that point.
According to a new report from NBA reporter Grant Afseth of Fastbreak Journal, New Orleans is not actively discussing Williamson’s name in trade talks. However, Afseth did add that no player on the Pelicans is untouchable.
“Within the organization, sources indicate to FastbreakJournal.com that the Pelicans are not actively exploring trade scenarios involving Williamson, though no player is believed to be truly untouchable,” Afseth wrote. “Dumars maintains flexibility as he shapes the roster under a new leadership structure.”
Last season, Williams played in just 30 games for New Orleans. He averaged 24.6 points per game to go along with 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks, while shooting 56.7 percent from the floor.
Back in the 2023-24 campaign, he averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, five assists, and 1.1 steals per game in 70 appearances, shooting 57 percent.
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Even though things have not gone according to plan, Williamson has still shown superstar ability. Those signs have come in flashes and have not been consistent, but the Pelicans simply are not ready to give up on him yet.
It will be interesting to see what the 2025-26 campaign has in store for Williamson and New Orleans. Should he struggle to stay on the court again, Joe Dumars and the Pelicans might have to consider a change in long-term strategy.
Expect to continue hearing rumors and rumblings about Williamson’s future.
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