The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status with the Milwaukee Bucks and could consider dealing Zion Williamson in a potential blockbuster trade.
NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reported Friday that the Pelicans are “keeping close tabs” on Antetokounmpo following the Bucks’ early playoff exit and ongoing internal uncertainty in Milwaukee.
New Orleans holds significant leverage in any future Bucks transaction, owning Milwaukee’s unprotected 2027 first-round pick and 2026 pick-swap rights from the Jrue Holiday deal.
League sources told Robinson that Pelicans President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars is expected to meet with Williamson soon to assess the franchise’s direction and the All-Star forward’s role in it.
According to the report, trading Williamson is “very much on the table” if Milwaukee opens the door to discussions involving Antetokounmpo.
Williamson appeared in just 30 games this season, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 56.7% from the field.
His long-term deal includes multiple non-guaranteed years tied to health benchmarks and weight clauses, with just 50% of his 2024-25 salary currently guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo posted 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 60.1% from the field across 67 appearances for the Bucks.
He begins the first year of a three-year, $175 million extension next season, with a player option in the final year.
Robinson noted a growing disconnect between Williamson and Pelicans ownership, which could be a factor if the franchise chooses to reset its core under Dumars’ leadership.
Antetokounmpo, under contract with Milwaukee through 2026-27, has not publicly indicated any desire to leave, but the Bucks’ fifth-place finish in the East and 48–34 record have raised questions about their long-term trajectory.
The Pelicans finished 21–61 and missed the playoffs for the third straight season, despite former All-Stars like Williamson and Brandon Ingram on the roster.
New Orleans, positioned near the bottom of the Western Conference, may be poised to pivot aggressively in pursuit of a generational superstar to reshape the team’s ceiling.
If the Bucks explore trade options, the Pelicans’ asset pool and willingness to include Williamson could make them a serious suitor.
With Dumars now leading basketball operations, Robinson suggested the franchise is prepared to make a bold move after years of underachievement.
New Orleans’ readiness to include a former No. 1 pick in trade discussions signals a franchise at a potential turning point.
The coming offseason could determine whether the Pelicans stay the course or swing for one of the NBA’s biggest names.
