Never Played a Playoff Game! Zion Admits Uncertain Future—“A Trade Could Be Reality”

Zion Addresses Trade Rumors: Wants to Stay, But “NBA Is a Business”

On April 2, Zion Williamson openly addressed speculation about his future with the New Orleans Pelicans in an interview with Yahoo Sports.

“New Orleans is home. I want to stay here,” Zion said. “But honestly, the NBA is a business. I could be traded this offseason or even before the deadline next season. I don’t want that, but it’s reality.”

It was a candid and grounded response—balancing loyalty with realism.

Since being drafted No.1 in 2019, Zion has yet to play in the playoffs, largely due to recurring injuries. However, when available, he remains highly productive, averaging 21.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists this season.

With the Pelicans missing the playoffs for a second straight year, questions about his future have only intensified.

“Right now, it’s about finding our identity,” Zion said. “We know our goals and how to grow. We’re moving in the right direction—we just have to control what we can.”

The team still has a promising young core, including Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones, and Saddiq Bey—but results have yet to match expectations.

Contractually, Zion will be extension-eligible this summer, with a $42.2 million salary next season and no trade veto clause—meaning the Pelicans have full flexibility if they choose to reshape the roster.

“I’ve shown I can stay in this kind of shape,” Zion added. “Even when I got hurt, I came back quickly and played consistently.”

His performance has rarely been the issue.
The real question lies in health, team direction—and the realities of the business side of basketball.