Report: Several teams would have significant interest in Zion Williamson trade if Pelicans make him available

March 17, 2025

According to NBA insider Tim MacMahon of ESPN, several teams would have significant interest in a Zion Williamson trade if the New Orleans Pelicans make him available.

Williamson is averaging 23.9 points since the All-Star break.

I remember Bobby (Marks) and I wrote a story just before Zion’s return discussing what might come next for him, his trade value and market potential,” MacMahon said. “Someone told us then that the goal was to ramp him up and restore his value, whether for the Pelicans or another team. To his credit, he’s handling that first part well. Some teams would have significant interest.”

Williamson will make $39.4 million next season, $42.2 million in 2026-27 and $44.9 million in 2027-28. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2028.

In 28 games for the Pelicans this season, Williamson is averaging 24.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 56.3% from the field and 65.0% from the free-throw line.

New Orleans drafted Williamson with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The most games Williamson has played in a season is 70. He has career averages of 24.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 212 games.

NBA reporter Michael C. Wright of ESPN reported in February that Williamson was at his lightest weight since getting drafted by the Pelicans.

Williamson, who turns 25 in July, has always been a talented offensive player when he’s been healthy, but the youngster is looking to improve defensively.

“I’m feeling like I don’t have to exert as much energy to get to a certain speed. I feel my moves are more swift. I definitely see the difference,” Williamson said in January. “My movements are swifter. So when someone tries to change directions, I can beat them to the spot.”

Added Jose Alvarado: “He takes pride in it. He comes to the bench and he says, ‘I got it. You don’t need to do all that extra stuff to help me.’ When it comes to defense, I think what’s most important is do you want to do it and do you have pride. Then, the rest of it will take care of itself.”