The New Orleans Pelicans sent Zion Williamson to the draft lottery in Chicago as their representative, conveying a message to the rest of the league that the 24-year-old wasn't going anywhere, at least not before the 2025-26 season.
William Guillory of The Athletic reported that there has been "communication" between Williamson, his camp, and Joe Dumars (subscription required). Guillory added that everyone feels "pretty good" about where things stand, further signaling that the Pelicans don't intend to trade Williamson.
When it comes to Zion, there are no questions about how good he can be. He's one of the best players in the league when he's healthy, but that's where the issue lies. He's spent more time on the sidelines than on the floor since the Pelicans drafted him with the No. 1 pick in 2019.
Every summer, there is speculation that New Orleans will trade Williamson. Dumars and the Pelicans have quieted that speculation at the start of what will be an eventful 2025 offseason, but maybe it's part of a bigger plan. Perhaps Dumars does want to keep Zion around, but is also wondering what an opposing team might be willing to offer. Knowing that Williamson isn't "available" could drive up his price.
Pelicans aren't expected to trade Zion this summer
As Guillory noted, Dumars will likely have less patience for Zion compared to David Griffin. If he gets hurt or doesn't perform at the level New Orleans needs to stay competitive in the West, he may be in trade talks before the deadline or next offseason.
Things with Zion and the Pelicans are in a good spot now, but the NBA is ever-changing. If Dumars gets an offer he can't pass up this offseason for Williamson, maybe he'll be on the move before the season starts. You can't write that off, although it seems unlikely.
Williamson's final game of the 2024-25 season was on March 19. He was eventually ruled out for the rest of the season with a low bone back contusion. He averaged 25.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in March (eight contests), shooting 58.4% from the field. It seems his string of performances that month was enough to sway Dumars to let him start the season in New Orleans in what could be his last shot to prove to the Pelicans he's worthy of staying around.
The vibes are optimistic for now, but let's see if things stay that way.