Pelicans’ Joe Dumars shoots down Zion Williamson trade talk

“We have no intentions of doing that,” Dumars said. “We are going into the offseason looking forward to Zion coming back next year and playing great again next year.”

Williamson, 25, turned in one of his more available seasons in 2025-26, appearing in 62 games. He averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 29.7 minutes.

It’s notable progress. It’s also just the third time in seven NBA seasons he’s played in at least half of New Orleans’ games.

That combination — improved health and a contract with increasing guarantees — would seemingly boost his trade value entering the offseason. But Dumars’ comments suggest the Pelicans aren’t exploring that route.

He said similar things a year ago and followed through, keeping Williamson on the roster through the season despite ongoing speculation.

Dumars also pushed back on how some of those rumors originate.

“Those phone calls come in and people ask about a player and two hours later it comes out that you had a conversation about a player,” he said. “But you left out the most important part. We said no.”

Williamson’s $42.2 million salary for 2026-27 is now at least 80 percent guaranteed after he reached the 61-game threshold this season. It’s expected to become fully guaranteed, and he’ll be eligible for an extension this offseason.

All signs, at least publicly, point to the Pelicans sticking with their former No. 1 overall pick and seeing where a healthier run can take them.