With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching and holding the seventh overall pick, the New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly reviewing their entire player roster. According to Kevin O`Connor of Yahoo Sports, there are no players the team considers `untouchable` during this assessment period.
This suggests that even their star player, Zion Williamson, is not guaranteed to stay. This past season, Williamson played 30 games, averaging 24.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, before being sidelined for the final weeks due to a back injury.
O`Connor explicitly stated in his recent NBA Mock Draft, “There are no untouchables in New Orleans.” He added that sources within the league indicate the Pelicans are actively exploring trade opportunities for every player on their team. While they might ultimately retain their key players, the team is seemingly open to various strategies this offseason based on potential deals that become available.
This situation unfolds as Williamson is also reportedly involved in a lawsuit where he is accused of rape, with the alleged abuse starting during his time at Duke University. However, Williamson`s attorney, Michael Balascio, has publicly dismissed these allegations as “categorically false and reckless,” asserting that from Williamson`s perspective, the relationship in question was consensual.
Previously, William Guillory of The Athletic reported that trading their franchise player seemed “very unlikely,” especially considering Williamson`s strong performance later in the season. However, moving him now could offer financial advantages for the team.
The potential impact of Williamson`s ongoing legal issues on his trade value remains uncertain. Financially, he is scheduled to earn close to $40 million next season as part of the five-year contract signed before the 2022-23 season. ESPN reported that a part of his salary that is currently not guaranteed will become fully guaranteed if the Pelicans do not trade or waive him by 5 p.m. ET on July 15.
Key clauses in Williamson`s contract link significant salary portions to specific requirements regarding his weight and the number of games he plays. Since being drafted first overall in 2019, he has only managed to play 30 or more games in two seasons. This season began with him on the injured list due to a hamstring issue, and concerns about his physical conditioning have been present throughout his professional career.
Speaking to ESPN in December, one executive from an Eastern Conference team commented on Williamson`s trade value: “It`s tough to see anyone paying a lot for him currently, but there are only a handful of healthy players in the league who approach the level of a franchise player.” The executive added, “Achieving top-tier success often requires a player capable of what he can do when fit. If I were making the call, I`d likely make a significant move to acquire him.”
Alternatively, The New York Times reported that the Pelicans have the option to waive Williamson. This action would release them from the obligation to pay $127 million covering the remaining three years of his maximum contract extension.
Trey Murphy III is mentioned as another player on the Pelicans roster with significant trade appeal. Should New Orleans truly make everyone available, several teams would likely target him. Murphy had a career-best season in his fourth year, averaging 21.2 points before suffering a torn labrum in March against the Detroit Pistons, which ended his season.
Jasper Hawthorne