The New Orleans Pelicans “have no intentions” of trading Zion Williamson this offseason, per executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars.
The Pelicans can sign Williamson to an extension this offseason. Williamson has two years left on his current contract.
“We have no intentions (of trading Williamson),” Dumars said. “We’re going into the offseason looking forward to Zion coming back next year and playing great again next year.”
A two-time All-Star, Williamson appeared in 62 games for the Pelicans this season. He averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest while shooting 60.0% from the field, 25.0% from beyond the arc and 71.6% from the free-throw line.
New Orleans won only 26 games this season. Williamson, the first pick in the 2019 draft, has yet to appear in a playoff game. It’s something that bothers him.
“I’m looking to take a different approach because it’s frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs,” Williamson said during his exit interview. “And I’ll take my responsibility in that. I definitely hold myself accountable. So, it’s time to start taking different approaches, gaining what knowledge I can and working on different things. I have to use the resources that I can to reach out and seek the information, seek the knowledge that I need.”
Williamson holds career averages of 23.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. The Pelicans have a talented core of Williamson, Derik Queen, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey and Herbert Jones. When everyone is healthy, New Orleans looks dangerous on paper.
James Borrego will be among the candidates the Pelicans consider as the franchise looks to fill its coaching vacancy this offseason. Borrego took over as interim coach in November after the Pelicans fired Willie Green following a 2-10 start.
Under Borrego, New Orleans went 24-46.
