New Report Reveals How Close Pelicans Were To Trading Superstar Zion Williamson This Offseason

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 02: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on before playing against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

New Orleans’ Pelicans superstar and 2019 first overall pick Zion Williamson was widely mentioned in trade rumors this past offseason.

According to a new report from ESPN’s Andrew Lopez, however, the Pelicans never actually shopped their franchise player:

“On a number of occasions, including dating back to his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Griffin has said no player on the roster is untouchable. And while Williamson’s name was bandied about in rumors, nothing serious was truly discussed with moving him, multiple sources told ESPN.”

Citing sources, Lopez added that the 23-year-old star “has been working with trainers to help get his lower body ready for the strenuous 82-game season.” Unfortunately, a string of injuries have limited the Duke product to just 114 games over his first four years as a pro.

Zion Williamson has played more than 30 games in his NBA career just once in four seasons.

The Pelicans are a much better team when he’s on the floor.

Will this be the year he’s healthy enough to lead New Orleans on a deep playoff run?https://t.co/D56a1Bvl3k

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) September 29, 2023

Williamson appeared in 24 games as a rookie in 2019-20 and was mostly healthy for 2020-21, averaging 27 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game in 61 contests. A foot injury sidelined Williamson for the entire 2021-22 season, and he was limited to 29 contests this past year.

"The Pelicans believe that Zion Williamson is in really good shape and they're excited about his progress..

I think he understands the level of commitment that he needs to have moving forward" ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/x1MBCkcgpA

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 28, 2023

Last season, Williamson averaged 26 points, seven rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. New Orleans finished 42-40 for their first winning season in five years, but they lost their Play-In contest to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

If Williamson can stay healthy in 2023-24, the Pelicans could definitely emerge as a surprise contender in the loaded Western Conference. They’ll kick off their regular season on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 25.

New Report Reveals How Close Pelicans Were To Trading Superstar Zion Williamson This Offseason
News Daily Reports