Joe Dumars ‘Really Impressed’ With Zion Williamson as Pelicans Keep Options Open

August 1, 2025

NBA, Jazz, Pelicans, Zion Williamson, Raptors — File photo

New Orleans Pelicans new lead executive Joe Dumars is said to be high on Zion Williamson. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the former NBA All-Star is safe.

“From what I’m hearing from Joe, he’s been really, really impressed with Zion,” ESPN’s Marc J. Spears said on NBA Today.

Dumars was hired in April and is already said to have formed a strong relationship with Williamson. He has reportedly urged the former No. 1 overall pick to step into more of a leadership role as he hits his mid-20s.

Williamson’s contract reflects both his sky-high potential and well-documented injury history. His $39.4 million salary for 2025–26 became fully guaranteed on July 15. The following two seasons, worth $42.2 million and $44.9 million, include protections tied to games played and physical benchmarks related to weight and conditioning.

The 6-foot-6 big man has appeared in only 214 of a possible 492 regular-season games since being drafted in 2019. Even so, he averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 30 games last season while shooting 56.7 percent from the floor.

Dumars has called Williamson an “extraordinary talent” but isn’t shying away from demanding accountability and professionalism across the board.

League sources tell FastbreakJournal.com that while the Pelicans are actively exploring the trade market — including possible Williamson deals — no one on the roster is off-limits as Dumars evaluates what’s next.

For now, the message seems clear. That would be to support Zion, push him to grow, and see if he can finally stay healthy enough to become the player New Orleans has long hoped for.

The potential is still there. The patience may not be.