Pelicans Commit to Keeping Zion Williamson, Deny Trade Rumors

Executive VP Joe Dumars says New Orleans has 'no intentions' of trading the star forward.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:36pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the overlapping forms and movements of basketball players, rendered in a cubist style that emphasizes the dynamic nature of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the complex dynamics between Zion Williamson and his Pelicans teammates, capturing the energy and tension of their on-court partnership.New Orleans Today

Despite an awkward fit with Derik Queen and the Pelicans' disappointing 26-56 season, team executive Joe Dumars has confirmed that New Orleans has no plans to trade Zion Williamson this offseason. Williamson, who is eligible for a contract extension, has expressed his desire to remain in New Orleans long-term, calling the city 'home' since he was drafted in 2019.

Why it matters

Williamson's future with the Pelicans has been a source of speculation, given the team's struggles and the potential fit issues with Queen. However, the organization's commitment to keeping Williamson provides stability and continuity as they look to build around the young star.

The details

Williamson averaged 21 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game last season, playing in 62 games - a career-high. While the Pelicans finished with a 26-56 record, Dumars praised Williamson's availability and performance. The team will now focus on finding the right coaching staff and roster moves to maximize Williamson's talents alongside Queen.

  • Williamson was drafted by the Pelicans as the No. 1 overall pick in 2019.
  • In the 2024-25 season, Williamson appeared in only 30 games due to injuries.
  • Williamson is eligible for a contract extension worth up to $177 million over three years this offseason.

The players

Zion Williamson

A 25-year-old forward who was the No. 1 overall pick by the Pelicans in 2019. He has established himself as a dominant scoring threat when healthy, though injuries have limited his availability in previous seasons.

Derik Queen

A 21-year-old forward who was acquired by the Pelicans in a trade. He and Williamson have struggled to find an optimal fit together on the court.

Joe Dumars

The executive vice president of the New Orleans Pelicans, who has affirmed the team's commitment to keeping Zion Williamson.

James Borrego

The Pelicans' interim head coach, who is a candidate to have the job permanently after replacing Willie Green mid-season.

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What they’re saying

“Listen, 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.”

— Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, New Orleans Pelicans

“I would say they kind of understand that this is where I want to be. New Orleans is home for me. I don't say that because I'm sitting in front of these cameras or I'm talking to y'all. A lot of guys, when the offseason hits, a lot of guys leave the city. I live here. I stay here in the city. I go out, I do different things to try to get to know the city more. Like, this is home for me. I've been here since I was 19 years old.”

— Zion Williamson

What’s next

The Pelicans will conduct a coaching search this offseason, with interim head coach James Borrego as a candidate to have the job permanently.

The takeaway

Despite the Pelicans' struggles and the potential fit issues between Zion Williamson and Derik Queen, the team remains committed to building around their young star. Williamson's desire to stay in New Orleans long-term aligns with the organization's plans, providing a foundation for them to find the right coaching staff and roster moves to maximize the team's potential.