Shams on Zion Williamson: 'Wouldn't Count on' Pelicans Star Being Traded amid Rumors

Despite recent rumors that the New Orleans Pelicans would be open to trading star forward Zion Williamson, don't expect it to happen anytime soon.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium was asked about the possibility of Williamson being moved before the start of the 2023-24 season and he replied, "I wouldn't count on Zion getting traded."

During an appearance on an NBA summer league broadcast on Friday, B/R's Chris Haynes said, "Over the last three, four months talking to league executives around the league it was made clear that Zion could be made available for the right situation and the right package." He went on to add, "Not saying he was clearly available but Zion can be had."

Prior to last month's NBA draft, there were multiple reports that the Pelicans were interested in trading up for a top-three pick in order to go after coveted prospect Scoot Henderson. Dealing away Williamson was floated as a possibility before ESPN's Jonathan Givony put an end to that speculation.

"They were the No. 1 team in the West last year when Zion went down with the injury. If he's healthy, which he rarely is, but when he's healthy, he is easily one of the best players in the NBA. So I don't see it happening. That was pretty much shut down to me as a possibility...," Givony said during an appearance on The Lowe Post podcast.

A two-time All-Star, Williamson has been a force when he's on the court with career averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Unfortunately, the 2019 No. 1 pick has had trouble staying on the court during his four years in the league, appearing in just 114 career games.

Despite his struggles to stay healthy, it sounds like the Pelicans aren't ready to give up on Williamson as they try to improve on a 42-40 finish to this past season.