Zion Williamson Commits to Staying in New Orleans

Star forward says 'New Orleans is home for me' despite Pelicans' struggles

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Zion Williamson's basketball movements and actions, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, and red, conceptually representing the Pelicans' team colors and Williamson's dedication to the franchise.Zion Williamson's commitment to the New Orleans Pelicans signals a new era of stability and hope for the franchise.New Orleans Today

Zion Williamson, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, has expressed his desire to remain with the New Orleans Pelicans despite the team's disappointing 26-56 season. Williamson, who played in 62 games and averaged 21 points per game, emphasized that New Orleans is his home and that he has no interest in being traded.

Why it matters

Williamson's commitment to the Pelicans is significant as the team looks to rebuild and find a new head coach. His decision to stay could help stabilize the franchise and provide a foundation for future success, especially if the team can surround him with the right supporting cast.

The details

Williamson, who is under contract for two more seasons at a total of $87.1 million, has been the subject of trade rumors in the past. However, the Pelicans' front office has been reluctant to move the young star, and Williamson himself has now made it clear that he wants to remain in New Orleans. Despite the team's struggles, Williamson believes he has more work to do to improve his game and help the Pelicans become a contender.

  • Williamson played in 62 games this past season, sitting out the final three games.
  • The Pelicans finished the season with a 26-56 record and are currently searching for a new head coach.

The players

Zion Williamson

The former No. 1 overall draft pick, who has played for the New Orleans Pelicans since 2019.

Joe Dumars

The Pelicans' front office decision-maker.

Troy Weaver

The Pelicans' front office decision-maker.

James Borrego

The Pelicans' interim head coach, who is part of the team's search for a new coach.

Derek Queen

A player the Pelicans selected in the 2022 NBA Draft after trading their first-round pick to Atlanta.

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What they’re saying

“New Orleans is home for me. I don't say that because I'm sitting in front of these cameras. When the offseason hits, a lot of guys leave the city. I live here. ... I've been here since I was 19.”

— Zion Williamson, Pelicans Forward

“My play on the court — it was OK. I was efficient, but I don't want to sit here and say it was OK and we're not even in [the postseason. Individually, I have a lot to go work on. I want to be able to attack from multiple areas on the court. I want to be able to be unpredictable on the offensive end, and I didn't really do a good job of that this year.”

— Zion Williamson, Pelicans Forward

What’s next

The Pelicans will continue their search for a new head coach, and Williamson will focus on improving his game during the offseason. The team will also look to make roster changes to build a more competitive team around Williamson.

The takeaway

Zion Williamson's commitment to the Pelicans provides stability and hope for the franchise, which has struggled in recent years. His desire to stay in New Orleans and continue developing his game could be a key factor in the team's future success, as they look to surround him with the right pieces to become a contender in the NBA.