** Pelicans’ Joe Dumars Confirms Zion Williamson’s Future in NOLA

** In a recent interview with Rod Walker from Nola.com, New Orleans Pelicans executive Joe Dumars put speculation to rest regarding the future of Zion Williamson with the franchise. Dumars explicitly stated that the team has no intentions of trading the star forward during the offseason.

“I’ve had some really meaningful dialogues with Zion,” Dumars shared. “We’ve shared meals, watched playoff matchups, and had straightforward conversations about where we stand. Our plan is to move forward with Zion as a central figure in our organization.”

Dumars emphasized the importance of Williamson embracing his role as the team’s cornerstone. He mentioned sending Williamson to the NBA Draft Lottery as a strategic move intended to instill a greater sense of responsibility within the young superstar. “I want him to understand what it means to be the best player in this organization,” Dumars explained. “It’s about representing the Pelicans with pride and commitment.”

In the 2024-2025 season, Williamson participated in only 30 games, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, while boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 56.7% from the field. His performance reflects the immense talent that has made him a two-time All-Star, with career averages of 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over 214 games, as detailed by hoopswire.com.

The Pelicans secured Williamson’s future with a lucrative five-year, $197 million contract extension back in 2022, which ensures a hefty salary of $39,446,090 for the upcoming season. This amount will increase significantly, reaching $42,166,510 in 2026-27 and culminating at $44,886,930 for the final year of his contract in 2027-28.

Despite his undeniable skill set, Williamson’s availability has been a concern, as he has only managed to play in approximately 45% of his games since joining the league. This ongoing issue has raised questions about his durability and the Pelicans’ long-term strategy. Nonetheless, Dumars’ commitment to keeping Williamson is seen as a pivotal move for the franchise, as they aim to build around his talent and unlock his full potential.

As the offseason progresses, the Pelicans will be looking to reinforce their roster while maintaining their investment in Williamson. His development as a player and leader will be crucial for the team’s aspirations to return to playoff contention in the coming years.

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