Pelicans reconsider direction, potentially shopping Zion Williamson

Dec 6, 2025 9:26 PM

Chris Dodson of ClutchPoints reported Thursday that Zion Williamson is increasingly viewed as unlikely to remain a centerpiece of the Pelicans’ long-term plans. Still, despite his latest injury setback – an adductor strain – New Orleans has not engaged in any real trade dialogue involving the former No. 1 pick.

His unusual max contract, which includes weight and games-played conditions, combined with his lengthy injury history, has contributed to the belief that he carries negative trade value.

On Bleacher Report’s live stream Thursday, Jake Fischer said there’s a growing league-wide expectation that the Pelicans will at least listen to offers for Williamson – and potentially other core players.

“You can rest assured that the Pelicans are going to be listening to trade offers for (Williamson),” Fischer said. “And there are definitely teams that believe, that have told me as recently as today, that New Orleans is now starting to listen and at least show some type of willingness to listen on guys like Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III as well.

“(Jones and Murphy) are going to have a lot of interest around the league. They’re both on very strong, long-term contracts that are considered relatively team-friendly. Under $30 million in average annual value, which is a big threshold in this current market.

“… But the Pelicans are going to hold a high asking price. And they are going to need multiple first round picks to move on from either of those guys. That’s my understanding as of now. But right now, it is pretty clear that the Pelicans, with interim head coach James Borrego, are moving in a direction of a team built around Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, their two lottery picks from this draft.”

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints added Friday that the chances of a Herb Jones trade have risen “exponentially,” citing the franchise’s disastrous 3–20 start. Jones cannot be traded until January 14 due to his July extension.

Fischer is the first to indicate Murphy could be in play, whereas Dodson previously reported the Pelicans consider the 25-year-old part of their core. Murphy is in year one of a four-year, $112 million extension.

Despite all the noise, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports that New Orleans has not held trade talks involving Murphy, Jones, or Williamson to this point – though that stance could shift as the deadline approaches.