Latest on Zion Williamson Trade Rumors Amid 2025 NBA Draft Lottery Role for Pelicans

An update on the trade buzz surrounding New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson was provided by NBA insider Marc Stein following the news that he'll represent the team at the 2025 NBA draft lottery.

"One source close to the process concurred with my instant reaction to this news: That's not the sort of role you ask a star player to take on if you're looking to trade him," Stein reported Monday.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon previously noted that he didn't believe Williamson would object to "a change of scenery."

Following New Orleans' 21-61 finish during its 2024-25 campaign, executive vice president David Griffin was fired and replaced by Joe Dumars.

Dumars confirmed that he didn't have a mandate to move on from Williamson after he was hired.

"No edicts," Dumars told reporters. "None whatsoever. I read that last week, that I had a mandate. I was just like, if I had, no one has called me and told me that. No, really. Absolutely zero."

Stein and NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on April 20 that "organizational exasperation" with Williamson is "plenty tangible," though.

The 24-year-old's unique blend of speed and athleticism at the power forward position has been on full display when healthy, owning career averages of 24.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 31.4 minutes per game while shooting 66.5 percent in the restricted area (via NBA.com).

Availability has been an issue for the two-time All-Star ever since the Pelicans selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He's appeared in a mere 214 of a possible 492 games throughout his six years in the association.

Williamson also suited up in just 30 contests during the 2024-25 season due to a back injury.

Still, his presence at Monday's draft lottery could suggest that the Pelicans aren't looking to move on from him just yet.