Pelicans Exec Speaks About Zion Williamson’s Future With Franchise

A New Orleans Pelicans exec spoke to NBA reporter Keith Smith of Spotrac about Zion Williamson‘s future with the franchise. 

Williamson will make $39.4 million next season since the Pelicans didn’t waive him on July 15. 

“Zion is still our guy,” the Pelicans front office executive said. “If he wasn’t, we could have waived him for like nothing on the books. We could have reset everything. But we believe in Zion. He wants to make it work, and so do we. This partnership hasn’t even come close to reaching our best yet.”

Zion Williamson appeared in 30 games for the Pelicans last season. He averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 56.7% from the field and 65.6% from the free-throw line. 

A two-time All-Star, Williamson has career averages of 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 214 NBA games. 

Williamson has played in just 45% of his possible games with the Pelicans since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The lefty has never played in a playoff game. 

New Pelicans exec Joe Dumars told NBA reporter Rod Walker of Nola.com that he’s not trading Williamson. 

“I’ve had really good conversations with Zion,” Dumars said. “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.

“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 Pelicans won only 21 games last season. They drafted Jeremiah Fears with the seventh overall pick in this year’s NBA draft. 

New Orleans also traded CJ McCollum to the Washington Wizards for Jordan Poole and signed Kevon Looney. 

More NBA News & Rumors