Joe Dumars of the New Orleans Pelicans has made it clear that the team has no intention of trading Zion Williamson during the 2025 offseason. The statement comes amid ongoing speculation about the Pelicans’ long-term plans and Williamson’s future in New Orleans.
Williamson has been a cornerstone of the Pelicans’ young core since entering the league in 2020. Last season, he played in 62 games and averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while logging 29.7 minutes. The 23-year-old has been a consistent force on both ends of the floor and remains under contract with the Pelicans through the 2028 season.
The question of Williamson’s future has lingered since the 2023 draft when the Pelicans famously traded for the rights to Scoot Henderson. That blockbuster deal raised questions about the team’s direction and whether they would seek to move Williamson for a high-value return. Dumars addressed the issue directly on Tuesday, saying, “We have no intentions of doing that. We look forward to working with him next year.”
Williamson, who is represented by agent Bill Duffy, is not eligible for free agency until 2028. This gives the Pelicans nearly four more seasons to build around him before considering any long-term changes. The team also has a strong supporting cast in players like C.J. McCollum and Brandon Ingram, who are key components in the Pelicans’ push for a playoff run.
The Pelicans played Williamson in just 30 games during the 2024-25 season due to injury concerns, but he averaged 21.4 points per game in those contests. In the 2023-24 season, he appeared in 70 games and averaged 23.2 points per game, showing the kind of production that makes him a trade asset.
With the 2025-26 season approaching, the Pelicans remain committed to their young core. The team is currently evaluating its roster and making decisions on potential free agents and draft picks. The next major deadline for roster moves is the start of training camp in September.
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