For much of the past year, Zion Williamson’s future with the New Orleans Pelicans seemed uncertain. Trade speculation swirled around the former No. 1 overall pick, fueled by concerns over his health, consistency, and long-term fit with the franchise. However, as the offseason unfolds, those rumors have largely disappeared—and there’s a good reason for it.
According to reports, the Pelicans and Williamson have made a concerted effort to improve their working relationship. The team’s decision to have Williamson represent them at the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery was a clear signal of their commitment to him, and Williamson’s willingness to take on that role suggests mutual interest in moving forward together.
Pelicans new president of basketball operations Joe Dumars has reportedly been in frequent communication with Williamson and his camp, ensuring that all parties feel comfortable with the direction of the franchise. This level of engagement indicates that the Pelicans are not looking to move on from their star forward—at least not yet.
Another major factor in the Pelicans’ decision to hold onto Williamson is his strong finish to the 2024-25 season. After struggling with injuries and inconsistency early in his career, Williamson played some of his best basketball in the final months of the season, showcasing his dominant scoring ability, improved conditioning, and defensive impact.
At just 25 years old, Williamson still has time to develop into the franchise cornerstone the Pelicans envisioned when they drafted him. Trading him now would likely mean selling low on a player who could still reach superstar status.
While the Pelicans are committed to Williamson for now, their patience is not unlimited. If injuries continue to plague him or if he fails to maintain his late-season form, the team could revisit trade discussions next year. However, given his potential and the difficulty of getting equal value in a trade, it makes sense for New Orleans to ride it out for another season before making any drastic moves.
For now, Zion Williamson remains a Pelican, and the franchise appears committed to seeing how far he can take them. If he stays healthy and continues to improve, New Orleans could emerge as a wild card in the Western Conference next season. But if setbacks arise, the trade rumors could resurface sooner rather than later.
