As Zion Williamson’s future in New Orleans grows increasingly uncertain, league insiders believe the Pelicans may face limited options if they decide to move the 24-year-old forward this offseason.
During a recent episode of In The N.O., podcast host Shamit Dua shared insight from conversations with league executives, revealing a consensus that any trade involving Williamson is unlikely to yield quality assets.
Dua clarified that executives were speculating rather than outlining formal offers, but their expectation was consistent: “really bad contracts and likely no picks” in return for the former No. 1 overall pick.
The concerns stem from a combination of Williamson’s durability issues and off-court questions that have overshadowed his career since entering the league in 2019.
Despite showcasing his production this season—averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 30 games—Williamson missed more than half the season due to a hamstring strain and a late-season back injury.
New Orleans, which was officially eliminated from playoff contention on March 13, saw its season unravel after a promising start, finishing 21–61 and second-to-last in the Western Conference.
Williamson is set to begin the third year of a five-year, $197 million extension next season, a deal that now poses significant risk for acquiring teams given his inconsistent availability.
“There will be teams who do not care [about the off-court situation],” Dua said, “but those teams need to be sufficiently desperate.”
Executives pointed to a potential trade model involving declining veteran contracts as ballast, such as a swap including Andrew Wiggins and Duncan Robinson—players with sizable deals but limited upside—for Williamson and salary filler.
