Zion Williamson made his highly anticipated return to the New Orleans Pelicans’ lineup on Tuesday after a two-month absence, bringing some much-needed hope to a team plagued by setbacks.
The Pelicans entered the season with high aspirations, but those ambitions have been derailed by injuries that have sidelined nearly their entire core group of players.
As a result, the team now finds itself with the worst record in the Western Conference, a disappointing position for a franchise looking to build a competitive future.
Despite the team’s struggles and Williamson’s history of injuries, his long-term future still appears to be with the Pelicans. When asked on ESPN’s Get Up whether Williamson might be considered a candidate for a trade, NBA insider Brian Windhorst dismissed the idea.
“There’s no sense of that,” said Windhorst. “I think the Pelicans would listen to a great offer. There’s no reason to make a great offer, the guy can’t stay on the court. Frankly, that’s what the Pelicans want: they want him on the court.”
The Pelicans have every incentive to see Williamson return to full strength, as the 24-year-old remains a centerpiece of their plans.
Despite his struggles to stay healthy, Williamson has shown flashes of brilliance when on the court, cementing his potential as a franchise cornerstone.
The team has invested heavily in him, including signing him to a lucrative five-year contract extension in 2022, which keeps him under contract until 2028.
Recently, Williamson made another significant move by signing with veteran agent Bill Duffy. This shift in representation could indicate a renewed focus on managing his career both on and off the court.
While there are still questions about his durability and his ability to lead the Pelicans to success, the franchise seems committed to building around him, provided he can stay healthy and deliver on his immense potential.
For now, the Pelicans’ priority is clear: getting their star player back to peak form and turning their fortunes around in what has been a challenging season.
Pelicans Don't Have Zion Williamson On Trade Block, But Would Likely Listen To 'Great Offer' https://t.co/kqhu5xLjW1
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 8, 2025
