Zion Williamson's Future with Pelicans Remains Bright, Joe Dumars Confirms No Trade Plans
Zion Williamson concluded a promising season with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 21 points, 3.2 assists, and 5.7 rebounds over 62 games. However, the team's overall performance was disappointing, finishing with a 26-56 record. Complications arose with the recent trade for Derik Queen, as both players struggle to complement each other on the court, leading to a negative scoring differential when they share the floor. Despite speculation about a potential trade, Joe Dumars, the Pelicans' executive vice president, firmly stated, "We have no intentions of doing that," emphasizing the organization's commitment to Williamson for the upcoming season. Dumars expressed pride in Williamson's durability, noting this was only the third time the former No. 1 overall pick played over 60 games since joining the league in 2019. Williamson, who has two years left on his contract, valued at $42.2 million and $44.9 million, is also eligible for a significant extension this offseason. However, given his injury history and the investment in Queen, an extension seems unlikely. Williamson reiterated his desire to remain in New Orleans, stating, "This is home for me," and expressed a commitment to the city. When asked about the pairing of Williamson and Queen, Dumars downplayed concerns, referencing successful player combinations in the past. In addition, Dumars confirmed that while the Pelicans will conduct a coaching search, James Borrego, who stepped in as interim head coach, is a candidate for the permanent position. Dumars indicated that internal discussions are ongoing regarding the coaching future of the team.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-14