Stephen A.: Zion Williamson 'Doesn't Want to Be' with Pelicans amid NBA Trade Rumors

Following Zion Williamson's one-game suspension for violating team policies, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith believes that Williamson no longer wants to be in New Orleans.

"Zion doesn't want to be in New Orleans, he doesn't want to be there," Smith said on ESPN's First Take (1:45 mark). "He wants to be in a major market like L.A., New York, or whatever, because he wants the marketability."

Williamson did not play during the Pelicans' 123-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, serving his suspension, as the team announced just before tipoff.

New Orleans stands in second-to-last place in the league with an 8-32 record, at one point facing an 11-game losing streak before it grabbed a win over Washington. Williamson has played in just eight games this season due to a hamstring injury.

Despite the struggles the Pelicans are facing, Smith does not believe that Williamson exhibits the "professionalism" required of him after sources told ESPN that he was late for the team's flight to Philadelphia on Thursday, in addition to "several occasions that led up to" the suspension.

"What he doesn't realize is somebody like Ja Morant, even with his troubles from the past, Ja Morant is a spectacular talent that shows up and plays most times unless he is injured and this brother can be box office," Smith said. "He's clearly the better of the two in terms of his availability and his professionalism even with some of his troubles."

The 24-year-old is averaging 21.8 points over eight games, with 7.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Despite these strong numbers, Smith believes that Williamson is becoming untradeable.

"You look at Zion Williamson right now, it's becoming a joke," Smith said. "You know that this brother has got superstar written all over him as a talent, but he doesn't appear to care enough about being a professional and he certainly, I don't believe, wants to be in New Orleans. I think he wants out, I think that's what this is all about and I think he'd rather be someplace else. But why should anybody want him if this is what you're going to get?"

The 2019 national college player of the year winner has taken "full responsibility" for his actions following the punishment, as he has a history of not being available for the team, playing in just 184 games over his first four seasons.

"I take full responsibility for this suspension," Williamson said, per CBS Sports' Jack Maloney. "I've worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy to deliver for this team. There is no excuse for being late to team activities. I have apologized to Mrs. Benson and my teammates and coaches and I also owe an apology to the fans. I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization."