Zion Williamson’s time with the New Orleans Pelicans appears to be coming to an end.
Once hailed as a franchise savior, Williamson has since become one of the biggest disappointments in NBA history.
Throughout six NBA seasons, the 2019 first pick has suited up for just 190 games. His career scoring nears 25 points per night, and he has recorded two All-Star nods before turning 24, yet his New Orleans Pelicans still search for steady success.
The numbers paint a stark picture. So far in 2024-25, Williamson has played just six games, pushing his team to keep changing plans. His $192 million, five-year deal shows the team’s mixed faith – they tied him down through 2028 but built in escape routes after 2025 if health stays shaky.
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NBA front offices now put his trade worth at a surprising low: just one first-round pick, per some executives. For a young, two-time All-Star under contract for years ahead, this marks a steep drop in value.
The Pelicans face tough choices. Their star pick, who drew links to past NBA giants, hasn’t brought the wins they hoped for. The team made two playoff trips but never passed round one. Now, trading him risks getting too little back, while keeping him means banking on better health ahead.
His talent stays clear – the on-court stats prove it. Yet the gap between what Williamson could be and what he’s been keeps growing, leaving New Orleans stuck between holding on and moving forward.
Last week, the Los Angeles Lakers’ best offer for Williamson came to light.
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This week, it was the Warriors’ turn.
“Adding Zion Williamson would be a wild move for the Warriors. Pairing his explosive inside game with Steph’s shooting and playmaking could make this team lethal, but it’s a huge risk. Zion’s injury history is no joke, and giving up Wiggins and Kuminga plus picks is a steep price,” a report noted.
“For the Pelicans, this deal would give them a mix of proven talent in Wiggins, a high-upside young player in Kuminga, and future draft capital to retool. But for the Warriors, it all depends on whether Zion can stay on the court—and that’s the gamble they’d have to live with. If it works, though, it could be the kind of move that puts them right back in the title hunt.”
Will the Pelicans ultimately trade Williamson to the Warriors? Time will tell.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
