Zion Trade Rumors Update as Pelicans Make NBA Deadline Call on Top Star, Trey Murphy, Queen, Fears
The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly planning on retaining Zion Williamson and several other key players ahead of the 2026 trade deadline.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Pelicans are informing teams that Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears will all remain with the organization beyond the deadline.
New Orleans owns the worst record in the Western Conference, sitting at 8-31 through 39 games.
While it's understandable that the Pelicans want to keep promising 2025 draft picks such as Fears and Queen as they build towards the future, Williamson has been involved in trade rumors of late.
The two-time All-Star is earning $39.4 million this season and is under contract over the next two years at $42.2 million and $44.9 million, respectively.
Williamson has showcased his burst and athleticism to go along with his efficient finishing around the rim when healthy, but injuries have prevented him from making a consistent impact once again.
He's appeared in 23 games this season, missing time due to a hip adductor strain and a hamstring strain. Williamson has also come off the bench in seven contests while managing injuries.
When available, he's averaged 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 56.2 percent from the field.
As for Murphy, he reportedly generated plenty of interest on the trade market during the 2025 offseason before ultimately staying in New Orleans.
It isn't hard to see why, as his scoring average has increased in every year of his Pelicans career.
This season, Murphy has recorded 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game on 49.5/38.2/90.8 shooting splits.
While other Pelicans rotation players such as Jose Alvarado and Saddiq Bey could experience a change of scenery, New Orleans doesn't appear to be headed towards any major roster turnover in the near future.
The trade deadline is on Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET.
