New Orleans Pelicans Face Pivotal Offseason Decision on Zion Williamson’s Future

NBA Trade Rumors: New Orleans Pelicans Face Pivotal Offseason Decision on Zion Williamson’s Future

The New Orleans Pelicans are at a crossroads with Zion Williamson, and according to Shams Charania of ESPN, the team and player must have a serious conversation this summer to determine their future together.

"The last thing you want to do is trade Zion Williamson... and he just skyrockets because he's able to find help, find that maturity, and grow in his career. They want that to come in New Orleans," Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show.

However, many around the NBA believe a resolution is needed, as the current situation isn’t sustainable for either side.

Pelicans Must Evaluate Their Path Forward

Charania noted that New Orleans is heading into a critical offseason, where they will have to make major franchise decisions:

"This summer, the Pelicans have decisions to make as an organization. They have to look at everything with the season they just had."

Williamson’s injury history remains a significant concern. He missed 27 games between November and January with a hamstring strain, then returned for just over two months before suffering a back injury on March 19.

The Pelicans recently announced that Williamson will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season to undergo "rest and treatment" for a low back bone contusion.

"Do the New Orleans Pelicans really wanna trade Zion Williamson..

The goal for the Pelicans is to win with Zion Williamson but people around the league believe that they have to figure things out this summer"@ShamsCharania #PMSLive https://t.co/qynsltenNZ pic.twitter.com/h414uwwQfT

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 2, 2025

Zion’s Contract Could Play a Major Role

Williamson's contract includes performance-based incentives and weigh-in clauses, as reported by The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov.

Key Contract Dates:

• July 15, 2025: The next opt-out date, when Williamson's 2025-26 salary guarantees are set to kick in.

• As of now, none of the final three years of his contract are fully guaranteed.

Despite his injury struggles, reports—including from NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin—indicate that the Pelicans are not expected to waive Williamson. This leaves them with two options:

1. Trade Williamson and move on from the injury uncertainty.

2. Give him another season to prove he can stay healthy and lead the team.

A Make-or-Break Summer for Zion and New Orleans

The two-time All-Star has shown flashes of dominance, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in just 30 games this season. However, he has only played more than 30 games in two of his six NBA seasons.

If New Orleans chooses to stick with Williamson, the organization must find a way to maximize his availability. If not, this summer could mark the end of Zion's tenure with the Pelicans.