The New Orleans Pelicans are reviewing their roster extensively as they prepare for the 2025 NBA Draft, with newly appointed general manager Joe Dumars aiming to assemble the best team possible using the No. 7 overall pick. According to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, every player on the roster, including Zion Williamson, is potentially available for trade.
Williamson averaged 24.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game during 30 appearances this season before a back injury sidelined him for the final weeks. The Pelicans’ stance that no player is untouchable signals a willingness to explore multiple roster options depending on available opportunities.
Market Evaluation and Trade Possibilities for Key Players
O’Connor highlighted,
“There are no untouchables in New Orleans,”
adding that league sources confirm the Pelicans are actively gauging interest across the roster. While maintaining their core is one path, New Orleans appears ready to pivot based on what options arise this summer.
Besides Williamson, Trey Murphy III stands out with significant trade value. Murphy posted a career-best average of 21.2 points per game this season before an injury in March ended his campaign prematurely. His performance has attracted attention from multiple franchises should the Pelicans consider deals.
Legal Issues Cloud Williamson’s Future with Pelicans
Williamson is currently facing a rape lawsuit connected to an alleged incident dating back to his time at Duke. His attorney, Michael Balascio, denied the allegations vigorously, describing them as “categorically false and reckless”. The player’s side maintains the relationship was consensual.
The impact of the legal battle on Williamson’s trade prospects remains unclear. William Guillory of The Athletic previously noted it is very unlikely the team would trade their franchise player given his recent strong performances, but moving him now could provide financial advantages for the Pelicans.
Financial Considerations Surrounding Williamson’s Contract
Williamson is set to earn nearly $40 million next season under a five-year contract signed before the 2022-23 season. The Pelicans must decide by 5 p.m. ET on July 15 whether to guarantee certain parts of his salary. Consequently, his roster status will influence the team’s financial obligations.
However, much of his contract depends on meeting weight and games-played criteria. Williamson has only played 30 or more games twice since being selected first overall in 2019, facing ongoing conditioning difficulties and injuries, including a hamstring issue at the start of this season.
An Eastern Conference executive told ESPN,
“It’s really hard to see anybody paying a ton for him right now, but there are a very limited number of players in the league when healthy who are at or near the franchise-player tier. The only way you win at the highest level is to have a guy who can do the type of things he can do if he’s healthy. I would probably do something stupid to get him if it were me making decisions.”
Possible Outcomes: Trade, Retention, or Waiver
In addition to potential trades, the Pelicans might waive Williamson, which would relieve them of approximately $127 million due on the remaining three years of his contract extension, as reported by The New York Times. This approach would have major salary cap implications for the franchise.
As Joe Dumars considers all options, the Pelicans’ willingness to engage in trade discussions for any player signals a pivotal offseason. How these moves unfold will shape the team’s future heading into the draft and beyond, with significant ramifications tied to both roster configuration and financial flexibility.