Pistons GM takes an apparent shot at Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson is catching strays even during the NBA offseason.

Detroit Pistons general manager Trajan Langdon spoke with reporters this week at training camp. During his media session, Langdon was asked about the difficulties that the Jalen Duren stalemate had caused for the team.

In response, Langdon referred back to his time as GM of the New Orleans Pelicans. He curiously went on to take an apparent shot at the longtime Pelicans star Williamson.

“It’s the first time I’ve had to handle it here,” said Langdon of dealing with a disgruntled player. “I was in New Orleans for five years with a certain player that wasn’t easy to deal with either. So I do have experience in that.”

It is not hard to deduce that Langdon was referring to Williamson there. Langdon first became GM of the Pelicans back in 2019, which was the same year that Williamson got drafted by the team. During his five seasons at the helm in New Orleans, Langdon dealt with everything from Williamson’s weight issues that resulted in his contract having to be adjusted to general bad blood between team and player after multiple seasons of injuries and losing.

After his stint with the Pelicans, Langdon became the GM of the Pistons in 2024. Though the team did win an impressive 60 games in 2025-26, it is probably not the best look for Langdon to be clowning on Williamson, especially when the Duren situation is quickly getting just as ugly.