New Orleans Pelicans General Manager Joe Dumars, who replaced David Griffin at the end of the regular season, is reportedly taking a measured approach before deciding the future of Zion Williamson. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dumars plans to fully assess his new role and the team’s situation before considering trading the 24-year-old forward.
The Pelicans’ organizational frustration with Williamson has been evident. The former No. 1 overall pick has struggled with injuries throughout his career, failing to play more than 30 games in four of his six NBA seasons. This has led to growing skepticism around the league about his long-term future in New Orleans, particularly if the team secures the No. 1 pick in the upcoming May draft. If they do, they could have the opportunity to select highly regarded Duke forward Cooper Flagg, further complicating the decision regarding Williamson’s place on the roster.
Williamson’s on-court performance has remained strong when healthy. In the 2024-25 season, he appeared in 30 games, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 28.6 minutes per game. However, his inability to stay on the court consistently continues to raise questions about his reliability as the franchise’s centerpiece moving forward.
His contract, which is valued at $197 million over five years, includes several protections beneficial to the Pelicans. Notably, the deal has specific clauses tied to games played and physical metrics, including weight and body fat percentage. For instance, 40% of his 2025-26 salary will only become guaranteed if he plays 41 games or more in the 2024-25 season, with additional guarantees triggered by meeting further benchmarks.
Despite these complexities, Dumars is reportedly focused on taking the time necessary to evaluate all factors before making any drastic moves. Any decisions involving Williamson could significantly impact the franchise’s direction for years to come.
