NBA: Joe Dumars - Pelicans not planning to trade Zion Williamson

New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, firmly dismissed any trade talks surrounding All-Star forward Zion Williamson on Tuesday, asserting that the team has no intentions of moving the 25-year-old player.

Dumars acknowledged the persistent nature of trade rumors, saying, "I'll get those calls. And even when you say 'no' to people, like, 'No, we're not moving Zion,' within two hours it's out that you've had conversations about trading Zion."

However, he reassured fans and the media that the Pelicans are focused on their future with Williamson, adding, "We have no intentions of doing that. We're going into the offseason looking forward to Zion coming back next year and playing great again next year."

This statement follows the Pelicans' disappointing season, which ended with a 132-126 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. Williamson, who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, managed to play 62 games this season, his second-highest total since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by New Orleans in 2019. In those games, he averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.

Despite his injuries, Williamson's performance this year provided a glimmer of hope for the Pelicans, who finished the season with a 26-56 record. Williamson is entering the second year of a five-year, $197.2 million extension signed in July 2022. He has two years left on his deal, with a cap hit of $42.2 million for the 2026-27 season.

As the Pelicans look toward the offseason, the franchise remains committed to rebuilding around Williamson, hoping he can stay healthy and deliver on his immense potential next season.

-Field Level Media/Reuters