Pelicans may listen soon on Zion Williamson, opposing execs believe

The Pelicans keep insisting they want to build something stable, but their season has gone off the rails early, and the league is circling.

Chris Dodson of ClutchPoints reported that Zion Williamson appears increasingly unlikely to be part of New Orleans’ long-term plans. The catch is that the Pelicans have yet to hold any meaningful trade discussions about him.

Williamson is out again, this time with an adductor strain, and his unusual max contract — complete with weight checkpoints and game-based guarantees — has only made his value harder to pin down. Some executives believe it is flat-out negative.

During a Bleacher Report live stream, NBA insider Jake Fischer said there is a growing expectation that New Orleans will listen on Williamson. And maybe not just him.

“You can rest assured the Pelicans are going to be listening to trade offers,” Fischer said.

He added that teams around the league believe New Orleans is showing early signs of openness on Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III as well.

Both wings would draw heavy interest. Jones and Murphy are on long-term, team-friendly deals under $30 million annually, a sweet spot in the new cap environment. Fischer said the Pelicans will demand multiple first-rounders for either player.

Dodson wrote that the chances of a Jones trade have risen “exponentially” as New Orleans has stumbled to a 3-20 start. Jones cannot be traded until January 14th due to his extension. Murphy can be moved now, though Dodson previously reported the Pelicans viewed him as part of the core.

There is also the reality check from Will Guillory of The Athletic, who said the team has not held any trade talks involving Murphy, Jones or Williamson.

That could change. Losing tends to speed up the timeline. But for now, the Pelicans are signaling one thing while the rest of the league keeps waiting for another.