When the New Orleans Pelicans selected Zion Williamson to be their on-stage representative at the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, it was just about putting a familiar face on TV. Selecting Williamson instead served notice that New Orleans is still committed to his future with the team.
New Pelicans front office head Joe Dumars wants to give it another try to make it work with Williamson as the team’s franchise player. This is despite trade rumors to the contrary as the offseason approaches.
Williamson has three years and $126.5 million remaining of the five-year max extension he signed with the Pelicans in 2022. The final three years all include team protections from the deal becoming fully guaranteed. Those were put into the contract, due to Williamson’s lengthy injury since entering the NBA. Those protections would carry over to another team, if New Orleans were to trade Williamson.