Pelicans Executive Makes Strong Zion Williamson Trade Statement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 5:32 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans seem to be heading to a new era this summer after another disappointing NBA season. After boasting a 49-33 record in the 2023-24 campaign to rank eighth in the Western Conference standings and take the final playoff spot, they dropped to 21-61 this campaign.

Once the season was over, David Griffin was released from his duties as the team's executive vice president of basketball operations. Detroit Pistons legend Joe Dumars was selected to replace Griffin and try to take the team to the promised land.

It's been only two days since he took on this role after spending three years (2022-2025) as the executive vice president and head of basketball operations for the NBA, a role that included overseeing the development of playing rules, conduct and policies.

Dumars was the guy who released the fines and punishments for players whenever they didn't act accordingly to the league's rules.

As lead executive for the Pelicans, Dumars will have a difficult job that will include handling Zion Williamson, one of the most hyped prospects in NBA history, who hasn't lived up to expectations.

Upon his signing as the team's president of basketball operations, a report suggested he was instructed to trade Williamson away. During his introductory press conference, Dumars denied that it was the case.

"I read that last week (that I was given a mandate to trade Zion Williamson). If I did, nobody told me," he said, via reporter Will Guillory.

Joe Dumars:

"I read that last week (that I was given a mandate to trade Zion Williamson). If I did, nobody told me."
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) April 22, 2025

During his five-year career, Williamson has played 214 of 400 possible games. His health has been a major source of concern for the Pelicans, with fans and analysts considering that the Pels should part ways with the former No. 1 overall pick.

Dumars appears to have different ideas for a team that seems to be stuck in basketball purgatory, even when its stars are fully healthy.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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