The New Orleans Pelicans appear to have no intention of trading Zion Williamson, despite speculation surrounding his long-term future.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Substack that Williamson was selected as the Pelicans’ on-stage representative at the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.
According to Stein, a source close to the situation noted this is not the type of responsibility typically given to a player the franchise is preparing to move.
Williamson’s role at the lottery comes after months of questions about his fit and availability following another injury-shortened season.
The 24-year-old forward played in just 30 games during the 2024–25 campaign, as New Orleans posted a 21–61 record and finished 14th in the Western Conference.
Despite his absences, Williamson averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 58.3% from the field.
Williamson has now appeared in only 214 games across his first six seasons since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2019.
While several teams have reportedly gauged interest in acquiring the All-Star, the Pelicans have given no indication they are actively shopping him.
The Houston Rockets were recently linked to the former Duke standout, but The Athletic’s Kelly Iko and Sam Amick reported that Houston has backed away.
Concerns over Williamson’s injury history and lack of sustained availability reportedly caused the Rockets to remove him from their list of primary targets.
As for New Orleans, retaining Williamson would mean doubling down on his potential to anchor a rebuild or retool alongside younger pieces.
The franchise owns the No. 7 pick in the upcoming draft and could add a lottery-level prospect to pair with Williamson if he remains.
This year’s draft is led by Cooper Flagg, with top prospects Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey, and Derik Queen also expected to go early.
With Dallas winning the No. 1 pick and San Antonio, Philadelphia, and Charlotte rounding out the top four, the Pelicans may use their position to make complementary moves rather than start over.
