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[Saba Sports News] The New Orleans Pelicans are not ready to move on from the Zion Williamson era just yet.
Joe Dumars, the team’s new head of basketball operations, made that clear in an interview with The New Orleans Times-Picayune on Wednesday. Dumars firmly stated that the Pelicans plan to keep building around Williamson and have no intention of trading him.
“We’re going to go forward with Zion,” Dumars said. “He’s going to continue to be a focal point here. I sent him to represent the Pelicans at the [NBA Draft] lottery for a reason — I want him to start embracing the responsibilities that come with being the best player on this team.”
Dumars added that he has had “really good,” “direct and honest” conversations with Williamson in recent weeks.
Speculation surrounding Williamson’s future has intensified recently, largely due to a lawsuit filed last week by a woman claiming to be his ex-girlfriend.
The lawsuit includes serious allegations of rape and assault, which Williamson’s legal team has strongly denied. He is also reportedly facing the threat of another lawsuit from a second former romantic partner. Reports have suggested that Pelicans ownership was furious over a separate incident that took place at Williamson’s home in April.
In addition to off-court issues, Williamson and the Pelicans have experienced long-standing friction over basketball matters. The 24-year-old has struggled with weight and conditioning, playing in just 214 games since being drafted in 2019.
The team has yet to win a single playoff series in that time. Most recently, Williamson publicly criticized the team’s load-management strategy, further highlighting tension between player and organization.
Still, despite a disastrous 21-61 season, the Pelicans remain committed to Williamson. That decision may stem from a continued belief in his upside — or the financial and strategic challenges of parting ways with him at this time. Either way, for now, Zion remains the centerpiece of New Orleans’ plans.