NBA Star Zion Williamson's Future With Pelicans Made Clear Amid Controversy

New Orleans Pelicans VP of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars spoke out about Zion Williamson's future with the team.

Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after a dunk against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images | Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has been in the news a lot recently, but it hasn't always been for good reasons. He's currently the subject of a rape and abuse lawsuit dating back to a relationship from his time at Duke while also being the subject of trade rumors.

Speculation started to spread that no player on the Pelicans was safe from being traded, including Williamson, the team's former first-overall pick who hasn't really been able to live up to that standard because of injuries.

Mar 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The team's new executive vice president of basketball operations spoke out about Williamson's future with the team in an interview for NOLA.com.

"I've had really good conversations with Zion," Dumars started. "We've had lunch. Dinner. Watched playoff games together. We've done it all. I've had some real honest conversations with him. Some real direct and honest conversations. We're going to go forward with Zion. He's going to continue to be a focal point here as we go forward.

Mar 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

"I sent him to the lottery for a reason. I want him to start focusing on the responsibilities of being the best player here and the focal point. There are some responsibilities that come with that. Go represent your organization.

The New Orleans Pelicans will continue to move forward with Zion Williamson as the face of their franchise, per Joe Dumars

"I've had some real honest conversations with him. Some real direct and honest conversations. We're going to go forward with Zion. He's going to continue… pic.twitter.com/jduKC1qV6W

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 4, 2025

"...We've had some real direct conversations with him about that," Dumars said. "Expectations. Accountability. That's our plan going forward with Zion."

Dumars didn't say anything about the lawsuit pending on Williamson because he was advised not to, but holding onto Williamson may be best for the team's future until things start to clear up. He doesn't have much trade value currently, so allowing the lawsuit to play out and for Williamson to get back on the floor may be the best way to rehab his value rather than dumping him to another team now.

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