Pelicans forward Zion Williamson told reporters on Monday that he hopes to remain in New Orleans going forward. On Tuesday, executive VP of basketball operations Joe Dumars suggested in his own end-of-season press conference that the former No. 1 overall pick will get his wish.
“We have no intentions of doing that,” Dumars responded when asked about the possibility of trading Williamson this summer (subscriber-only story via Rod Walker of NOLA.com). “We are going into the offseason looking forward to Zion coming back next year and playing great again next year.”
Williamson, who was limited to 30 games in 2024/25 due primarily to hamstring and adductor strains, had a healthier year in ’25/26, making 62 appearances and averaging 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 29.7 minutes per game. It was just the third time in seven NBA seasons that the 25-year-old has been able to play in at least half of New Orleans’ games.
The fact that he avoided major injuries this season and has just two seasons remaining on his five-year, maximum-salary contract should give Williamson’s trade value a bump entering the summer, but it doesn’t sound as if Dumars is eager to pursue a deal.
Obviously, the Pelicans’ head of basketball operations isn’t under oath when he’s speaking to reporters, so there’s nothing to stop him from stating that he plans to keep Williamson and then changing his mind later in the offseason. But it’s worth noting that Dumars gave the former Duke star a similar vote of support early in the 2025 offseason, shutting down the trade rumors surrounding Zion at that time, and he ultimately stuck to his vow that Williamson would open the 2025/26 season with the team.
More trade rumors swirled around Williamson during the season, but he once again stayed put, and Dumars suggested on Tuesday that the Pelicans weren’t the ones initiating the discussions that led to those rumors.
“Those phone calls come in and people ask about a player and two hours later it comes out that you had a conversation about (trading) a player,” Dumars said. “But you left out the most important part. We said no.”
Because he appeared in 61-plus games this season, Williamson’s 2026/27 salary of $42.2MM is at least 80% guaranteed entering the offseason — it would be fully guaranteed if he meets certain weight-related benchmarks or if he remains under contract through July 15, which appears to be a lock. The Pelicans forward, who will be extension-eligible this offseason, will make $44.9MM in 2027/28 and would reach unrestricted free agency in ’28 if he doesn’t sign a new contract before then.
Which really means they have no intention of trading him for the offers they had currently or recently received so if you want him up the offer.
Exactly.
Yeah, he is definitely getting traded this summer haha.
Pro sports is full of “Bronx Tales” lols.
The national and local media. Destroyed the Knicks for not winning the lottery that year. They had worst record in NBA. Wound up with 3rd pick, RJ Barrett.
Missed out on the two most troubled guys in draft. If Zion or Ja would have come to NY. They might be history by now. Basketball gods looked out for Knicks.
At 25 yrs old. Zion played 62 gms, 30 mins, 60% FG
21 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast.
Thats a good season. Someone will take him. I would take best offer and move on.
If he played in New York He probably have 25 kids but he might not be overweight. Have you been to New Orleans man? The food is just that good and I have no problem gaining weight but man that food is good.lol
Yeah I have. NY is also big melting pot when it comes to food lol. But you know what I mean. Plenty more trouble in NY lol. Especially if you go looking for it.
Who destroyed the Knicks for not winning something they had no control of? they did their part by getting the worst record.
Reading comprehension. Catch up for once
Zion probably has negative value with that contract and publicity
Well he should…
I would fire Joe today. His time as a competent FO person has come and gone.
Why in the world would they move off from Dumars after just one season as the GM? He inherited a losing team. To his credit he hit on drafting Fears and draft day trading for Queen and later trading for Saddiq Bay. He’ll need another 2 years to put his mark on the team. If there was one error or one thing he MIGHT regret is trading away their 2026 1st pick to acquire Queen from Atlanta on draft day.
Not buying it. Queen can’t provide his highest and best unless he’s the first interior option on his team. Same with Zion. It’s not an issue of whether they can play together, but whether they can each be at their best playing together. These are both 2 level first option scorers; so no, they can’t.
I think Queen is the guy you build around. I see him as the next big thing at the 4. Power game that can step outside and play. I’m big on him.
Agreed. Queen’s offensive game is unusually advanced for a big man his age. He’s already close to being a primary offensive option. He just needs a central role and reps to see how far he can take it.
Zion is the definition of a Donkey- lazy, unfaithful and no respect. Yes he looks like he works out, but truth is that is all genetic. He has never worked half as hard as anyone in the NBA. It’s a shame. To him and the organization. He will come regret his actions eventually, but when he does it will be too late. There is an internal Demon that has always held him back. That Demon wants him to keep eating fast food, and to keep playing video games and etc. He let that Demon take over, and it’s up to him to exorcise it. Does he have the strength? Only time will tell
Hahahaha I guarantee you couldn’t keep up with Zion in a group workout.
You need someone to give you a hug bro. You’ll be okay.
Haters love to feast here now…
NOOOOOOOOO
FREE ZION
Free Ozympic 😆
Translation:
“He finally played some games. Now I can trade his *ss”