The New Orleans Pelicans’ recent stretch has been defined by wins and strong production from the team's core of Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Saddiq Bey. As Murray continues to be reintegrated into the team's rotation, it appears the Pelicans are only getting stronger. In the eyes of some, this recent stretch of winning basketball is a sign that the front office, led by Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver, should give this core another shot in 2026-27. But that couldn't be further from the truth.
The Pelicans have built a strong foundation: a trio of uniquely talented wings in Bey, Murphy, and Herb Jones. A young point guard in Jeremiah Fears and a savvy veteran in Dejounte Murray. Two high-potential bigs in Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic. A pair of young role players in Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens. And then, most importantly, a potential franchise player in Derik Queen.
Notice that the one name I didn't mention was Zion Williamson. This was fully intentional, as it's very hard to figure out where he fits into the Pelicans' future plans. With the Pelicans investing so much in Derik Queen, who at this point is unplayable alongside Zion, it's hard to see a reason not to trade him this summer.
Trading Zion Williamson is the Pelicans’ next step
New Orleans is in store for their second straight season with fewer than 30 wins, and while their play as of late has been encouraging, it can't overshadow how down of a year this has been. Obviously, the failures this team has had can't all be put on Zion, but the Pelicans are at the point where they're approaching year eight with him and have seen minimal improvement.
On top of that, if the front office wants to maximize Derik Queen and really see him spread his wings, getting rid of Zion is a great way to do that. Not only has interim head coach James Borrego gotten rid of any Zion and Queen minutes during the team's most recent stretch of games, but they also have a -12 net rating when they share the floor, according to Databallr.
Zion is in the midst of his healthiest season in years for the Pelicans, which may make him way more enticing to a team that's looking for a second or third option this offseason. Whether it's trading him for more shooting, draft capital, or some young talent, just getting him out of the team's lineup would do wonders for DQ's development. It's also worth noting that trading Z doesn't mean the team has to go into a deep, dark tank—it's about taking one step back to take three steps forward.
The Pelicans front office has to understand they have a really good core group of players, but out of that bunch, Derik Queen is the most important. And to maximize him and his potential, they need to nip the Zion Williamson era in the bud this offseason.