The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a challenging 2024-25 season, with a disappointing 7-31 record through the first 38 games. While their win-loss record might suggest a rebuild or a lost season, the reality is that the Pelicans still possess one of the most promising cores in the NBA. The presence of players like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Dejounte Murray provides a strong foundation, and with a likely top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, New Orleans has the potential to turn things around in the coming years. However, the team faces an important crossroads, particularly with Zion Williamson’s future with the franchise in question.
Williamson has been the center of attention for the Pelicans since being selected first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. He was hailed as the player who could transform the franchise, and when healthy, he has lived up to that potential. His explosive athleticism, scoring ability, and presence on the floor make him one of the most dominant players in the league. However, staying healthy has been a recurring issue. Through his first five seasons in the NBA, Williamson has played 60 or more games just twice, and in 2024-25, he has played in only seven games. His absence from the court has had a significant impact on the Pelicans’ success, as his injuries have disrupted the team’s chemistry and ability to build momentum.
While New Orleans has undoubtedly built a solid foundation with players like Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and the offseason addition of Dejounte Murray, the Pelicans’ struggles in 2024-25 suggest that they may not be able to waste too many more seasons trying to build around an injury-prone star like Williamson. His health has been a persistent concern, and the Pelicans’ inability to fully capitalize on his potential could force them to consider other options for the future. This has led to growing speculation that the team might look to trade Williamson, despite his immense talent.
The question is, what could the Pelicans do with Williamson, and would other teams be interested in acquiring him? There is no doubt that when healthy, Zion Williamson is a player capable of taking a team to the next level. His combination of power, speed, and basketball IQ is rare, and many teams would love to add him to their roster if given the chance. However, as Williamson’s injury history continues to mount, the questions surrounding his long-term viability have started to scare off potential suitors.
One team that had been linked to Williamson as a potential trade partner is the Golden State Warriors, but according to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, the Warriors have reportedly taken themselves out of the running for the 24-year-old star. Spears noted that Zion Williamson is not currently on the Warriors’ radar, and the franchise may look in a different direction if they make a move ahead of the February trade deadline.
There are a few reasons why the Warriors would be hesitant to pursue Williamson. First and foremost, as Spears pointed out, there is the uncertainty around his health. The Warriors are a championship-contending team, and adding a player with a history of injuries could be seen as too risky, particularly with the high stakes involved. With Williamson’s inability to stay on the court for extended periods of time, Golden State would be concerned about whether they could rely on him for a full season or a potential postseason run.
Another concern for the Warriors is the financial commitment that comes with acquiring Williamson. His salary is quite high, and for a team like Golden State, which is already dealing with significant cap challenges, bringing in a player with a massive contract could complicate things further. The Warriors already have a significant payroll, with stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green commanding high salaries. Adding Williamson’s contract could put them in a difficult position, especially if his injuries prevent him from playing up to his potential.
While the Warriors may have opted out of the sweepstakes for Williamson, there will likely be other teams that remain interested in him. The Pelicans are in a difficult situation, as Williamson’s trade value may not be as high as it once was due to his injury history. However, the talent he possesses when healthy is undeniable, and there will likely be teams willing to take a chance on him. New Orleans could explore trading him for another star or a package of assets that would help them build for the future.
If the Pelicans decide to trade Williamson, they will likely have to carefully consider the offers they receive. There are multiple factors at play, including his health, his contract, and the Pelicans’ long-term goals. The team is likely to land a high draft pick in 2025, and a trade involving Williamson could provide the franchise with the assets they need to build around Ingram, McCollum, and Murray. The Pelicans could potentially look for a player who is less injury-prone and who fits better into the team’s long-term vision.
In the meantime, the Pelicans are still trying to make the most of their current roster, despite the setbacks they’ve faced in 2024-25. Players like Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Brandon Boston, and Jordan Hawkins have shown promise, and their development will be key to the team’s future success. However, the Pelicans cannot afford to waste too many years without making significant strides, and if Williamson remains sidelined or continues to struggle with injuries, they may need to reconsider their strategy moving forward.
The 2024-25 season has been a disappointment for the Pelicans, but they still have a solid foundation in place for the future. The decision regarding Zion Williamson’s future will be a crucial one for the franchise, as they will need to weigh the potential rewards of keeping him against the risks that come with his injury history. Whether the Pelicans choose to trade Williamson or hold onto him and hope for better health, they must find a way to capitalize on their core and continue building toward future success. The 2025 NBA Draft could be a turning point, and New Orleans will need to make smart decisions as they look to return to contention in the coming years.
