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

New Report on Zion Williamson's Future With Pelicans

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 7:24 PM ET

Now that the New Orleans Pelicans have traded away Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors, the biggest question surrounding the team is the topic of Zion Williamson's future.

Williamson is currently on a five-year, $197 million contract with the Pelicans that runs until the end of the 2027-28 NBA season. Overall, the Pelicans have had a very frustrating experience with him on the roster. Zion is either playing like an undeniable generational talent, or he's injured for the majority of the season.

Regardless of Williamson's availability, ESPN insider Shams Charania believes that the All-Star has a big offseason awaiting him with the Pelicans.

"You're going into this offseason, it's going to be a big one," Charania said on the Pat McAfee Show. "Him, the Pelicans, they have to sit down, they have to figure out what is the path forward here. What is this franchise looking into? What is the level of commitment?"

.@ShamsCharania says this will be a big offseason for Zion Williamson ✍️

“A devoted, committed, healthy Zion Williamson is a problem for the NBA [and] every team in the league.” (via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/vfBzrwtvoE
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 14, 2025

While the Pelicans have limited Zion's availability due to managing his injuries, the All-Star's availability has also been hampered by his own doing. Especially, when Zion was suspended earlier in the season.

"There have been points where they have to let him go and let him play, but it goes both ways," Charania said. "He got suspended a little while ago for being late to a team plane. It was a pattern of tardiness he had. For Zion Williamson, the next step for him is showing that commitment, showing that devotion, continuing to grow as a professional."

Pelicans announced they have suspended Zion Williamson for one game for a violation of team policies.

Zion was reportedly late to team flight to Philadelphia which led to his suspension, per @ShamsCharania

More here: https://t.co/FWjjqIQ9aT pic.twitter.com/sBVdd3f4z2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 10, 2025

If the New Orleans Pelicans are going to remain committed to Zion Williamson, then they'll need to find a path toward actual success, instead of what they've been experiencing the past few seasons.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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