The New Orleans Pelicans are no longer thinking small. After a brutal 2024–25 season, the Pelicans are eyeing a massive overhaul. And it’s not just talk — reports suggest that everyone on the roster is being evaluated. That includes Zion Williamson, once seen as the team’s savior.
Pelicans Set For ‘Big’ Overhaul Amid Zion Williamson Drama
A Disastrous Season Forces Big Questions
The Pelicans limped to a 21–61 finish — the fourth-worst record in the league. That collapse wasn’t from a lack of talent. Their roster included Zion, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and recent trade acquisition Dejounte Murray.
But the injuries piled up fast. Murray tore his ACL just 31 games into the season. Zion missed most of the year again, battling hamstring and back problems. Other players also missed significant time. It became clear: this wasn’t a contender. It wasn’t even close.
The disappointing season has sparked a full Pelicans overhaul — one that could change everything, starting with the front office.
New Leadership, New Mandates
The Pelicans recently replaced David Griffin with Joe Dumars as executive vice president of basketball operations. That alone signaled a turning point. Dumars has experience building tough, winning rosters — but he doesn’t have sentimental ties to this one.
Pelicans insider Shamit Dua revealed that ownership may want Zion traded. Dumars denied any mandate. Still, he didn’t exactly squash the idea either. In his first press conference, he praised his talks with Zion but emphasized accountability and high standards.
Those words matter. Zion has drawn criticism for his lack of conditioning, recurring injuries, and off-court distractions. Dumars sounds like a man ready to change the culture — even if it means moving on from the team’s biggest name.
The Zion Williamson Dilemma
Zion was drafted first overall in 2019. Since then, he’s played in just 214 of a possible 472 games. That’s less than half. He’s never reached the playoffs and is now midway through a five-year, $197 million contract.
When Zion plays, he’s electric. He scores efficiently, dominates in transition, and makes defenders look helpless in the paint. But his body hasn’t held up. And even when he’s healthy, the team never fully clicks.
Now, serious off-court issues have emerged. ESPN reported on May 27, 2025, that Zion faces a civil lawsuit accusing him of rape and abuse. The alleged incident occurred during his rookie year. His legal team denies the allegations, but the case is moving forward.
This news makes a Pelicans overhaul even more likely. The franchise no longer sees Zion as the face of their future.
No Player Is Safe
It’s not just Zion. Reports say the Pelicans are open to moving anyone — including McCollum, Murray, Herb Jones, and Murphy. Dumars appears empowered to reshape the roster completely.
Other teams will circle. There’s real value in New Orleans’ players. Some are proven veterans, others young and full of upside. A fire sale could bring back draft picks, cap space, and a fresh start.
The Pelicans overhaul will focus on flexibility and long-term success. That likely means building through the draft and shedding injury-prone or high-cost veterans. Or the franchise may decide that trading Zion is enough and pivot with what they get from his trade.
The End of an Era?
If the team trades Zion, it marks the end of the vision they began in 2019. The rebuild that once promised so much never reached liftoff. Now, they’ll have to start over — again.
This offseason could define the franchise for the next decade. The Pelicans overhaul isn’t just a course correction. It’s a full-scale restart.
Dumars has a blank slate. He’ll need to get creative, stay aggressive, and rebuild trust with a fan base that’s lost hope.
Will this overhaul finally lead to something lasting? Or is New Orleans doomed to stay stuck in neutral?
Only time — and this wild offseason — will tell.
© Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
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