New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson’s trade value remains limited despite his high-profile status and non-guaranteed contract over the next two years, ESPN reporters Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst noted on Friday. A rival executive described the team’s focus as a “win-now trade, not a Zion trade,” citing pressure on the franchise to produce immediate results.
Williamson, 25, is in the third year of a five-year, $197 million deal and has already faced his fifth significant hamstring injury in his career. The forward’s latest setback has sidelined him for at least a week.
The Pelicans have struggled without Williamson, holding a 2-6 record after seven games. In his last outing on November 2 against Oklahoma City, he posted 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in 28 minutes during a 137-106 loss.
Despite injuries, Williamson has shown consistent production early this season, scoring at least 20 points in four of five games. He is averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, highlighting his central role in New Orleans’ offense.
Secondary contributors Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy III have carried part of the load in Williamson’s absence. Poole is averaging 17.3 points per contest, while Murphy III contributes 15.4 points and six rebounds per game.
Pelicans management faces decisions on how to motivate Williamson while preserving his long-term health. One executive told ESPN, “Joe is smart, he knew the only rational move was to motivate Zion. He’s still only 25. With a player like that, you have to exhaust all options to try to make it work.”
Upcoming road games against San Antonio and Phoenix will test New Orleans’ depth without their star forward. The Pelicans return home on November 12 to face Portland, followed by a matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on November 14, where Williamson’s potential reintegration could provide a lift.
Williamson’s career averages of 24.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game emphasize his value on the court, but teams considering a trade must weigh his injury history against his production. The Pelicans’ short-term goals may prioritize winning now rather than pursuing a long-term asset swap.
