RealGM

When the New Orleans Pelicans selected Zion Williamson to be their on-stage representative at the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, it was just about putting a familiar face on TV. Selecting Williamson instead served notice that New Orleans is still committed to his future with the team.

New Pelicans front office head Joe Dumars wants to give it another try to make it work with Williamson as the team's franchise player. This is despite trade rumors to the contrary as the offseason approaches.

Williamson has three years and $126.5 million remaining of the five-year max extension he signed with the Pelicans in 2022. The final three years all include team protections from the deal becoming fully guaranteed. Those were put into the contract, due to Williamson's lengthy injury since entering the NBA. Those protections would carry over to another team, if New Orleans were to trade Williamson.

Via Marc Stein/The Stein Line

I would trade Zion if I were the Pelicans GM or final decision maker. Hornets, HEAT and Nets are good viable options for future and present assets.

There is enough of a sample size to know that Zion's future is not with the Pelicans.

Yes, he is 24 and immensely talented -- but the injury history, the weight fluctuations are undeniable.

He is probably at his "peak" value in terms of what the Pelicans get get in return.

Williamson is always one extra burger or a bad ankle twist away from being a bench player, and some people here dare to compare him to prime Shaq.

He represents the Pels at the lottery and they don't even get a top 5 pick. He's not good at anything...even sitting.