Report: Rockets View Trading For Zion Williamson ‘Too Risky’

According to Sam Amick and Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Houston Rockets view trading for Zion Williamson as “too risky.”

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

Williamson appeared in 30 games for the Pelicans this 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 games. 

The Pelicans signed Williamson to a five-year, $197 million extension in 2022. Williamson will make $39,446,090 next season, $42,166,510 in 2026-27 and $44,886,930 in 2027-28, the final season of his contract. 

Houston lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in seven games, while New Orleans had the second-worst record in the West. 

The Rockets have been heavily linked to Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.