Zion Williamson drops ‘home’ truth bomb after 7th year with Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans missed out of the NBA playoffs for the second straight year, and one of the biggest questions heading into the offseason is the potential future of star forward Zion Williamson with the franchise. But if his exit interview is any indication, the 7-year veteran has no intention of leaving the only NBA team he’s ever known, at least not on his own accord.

During his Pelicans’ exit interview with media, Zion Williamson proclaimed the city of New Orleans his home and seemingly reassured fans that he doesn’t have any plans to make that change any time soon.

“New Orleans is home for me. I don’t say that because I’m sitting in front of these cameras or I’m talking to y’all,” Williamson said. “A lot of guys, when the offseason hits, a lot of guys leave the city. I live here. I stay here in the city, I go out and do different things to try to get to know the city more, this is home for me. I’ve been here since I was 19 years old.

“I do want to be here long term. As far as extension talks, that’s not anything that can really be brought up at this moment. I think that’s more of a business side of it. If the team wants me here, then yeah, this is where I want to be. This is home.”

Williamson’s name came up in trade rumors during the deadline, as did other Pelicans players, but the team opted against making any major changes at the time.

Williamson turned in a strong season, playing in 62 games and managing to stay healthy. He averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals with splits of 60 percent shooting from the field, 25 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 71.6 percent shooting from the free-throw line.