“Whatever My Team Needs” - New Orleans Pelicans Star Ready to Step Up For His Team 8 Feb 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) after a victory over the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

'No Matter What People Say, This is Home' – New Orleans Pelicans Star Makes His Feelings Clear About Being in Trade Rumors

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 6:43 AM ET

Zion Williamson’s name has popped up in trade rumors for quite some time now, but the former Duke recently insisted that his loyalty lies with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Speaking to reporters after their preseason tour in Australia , the two-time NBA All-Star reiterated his desire to stay with the New Orleans Pelicans for as long as possible and represent them loud and proud.

“It’s always a privilege to throw on an NBA jersey, to be a Pelican… This is homebase. No matter what people say, this is home. This is the crib. I am looking forward to playing in front of these fans again,” Williamson said.

Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dunks against Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

“We have some things to work on as a team, but overall I felt we got what we needed to get out of it,” he continued about the preseason. “Individually, there are a lot of things that I feel like I could have did better. The first game, rebounding was definitely one. And just getting into sets, even if they don’t score, instead of just being all over the place.”

New Orleans Pelicans News: Zion Williamson sends clear message to new teammate

Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole already have some great on-court chemistry, which should excite New Orleans Pelicans fans this upcoming season.

Mar 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

“I told him, I said, ‘Hey bruh, you just be trying s**t out there. But it’s dope, man. Like I said the whole time, you know, it’s going to be exciting out there on the court with him because, you know, he brings energy and he’s a competitor. I mean, he won a ring. He knows what it takes to get there, and having that experience on this team is big for us,” Williamson said about Poole.

The New Orleans Pelicans will return to NBA preseason action next week . They’ll host the Houston Rockets on Wednesday before visiting the Orlando Magic on Friday.