** Pelicans Open to Trade Offers for Zion Williamson Ahead of Draft

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As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare for the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, the team’s newly appointed general manager, Joe Dumars, is leaving no stone unturned in evaluating the roster. According to a recent report by CBS Sports, the Pelicans have signaled that no player is deemed “untouchable,” including star forward Zion Williamson, as the franchise contemplates its future direction.

Williamson, who has had a tumultuous season, averaged 24.6 points and 7.2 rebounds across 30 games before succumbing to a back injury that sidelined him for the last stretch of the regular season. The Pelicans currently hold the seventh overall pick in the draft, and Dumars is weighing all possible scenarios to enhance the team’s competitiveness.

In a recent mock draft analysis, CBS Sports’ Kevin O’Connor stated, “There are no untouchables in New Orleans.” This indicates that the Pelicans are actively exploring trade opportunities, potentially reshaping their roster based on what assets become available in the marketplace. While the franchise may elect to retain its core players, the possibility of significant changes looms as they navigate the summer.

Adding another layer to the situation, Williamson is currently embroiled in a legal dispute involving allegations of sexual assault stemming from his time at Duke University. His attorney, Michael Balascio, has firmly refuted these claims, labeling them as “categorically false and reckless.” Balascio insists that the relationship in question was consensual, but the ongoing nature of this lawsuit raises concerns about Williamson’s standing with the team and his future in the league.

The Pelicans’ willingness to consider trades, especially involving a player with Williamson’s scoring ability, underscores the urgency to recalibrate the roster. While Williamson is a dynamic talent capable of single-handedly altering games, his injury history and the current legal situation may prompt the organization to evaluate whether he can be part of a long-term vision.

Historically, franchises in the midst of rebuilding processes often reevaluate their approaches, especially during pivotal moments like the draft. The Pelicans’ readiness to assess the market for all of their players suggests a strategic shift that could lead to a more competitive team in the coming seasons.

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the Pelicans find themselves at a crossroads. With the prospect of trading Williamson on the table, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds. The decisions made in the coming weeks could define the trajectory of the franchise, as they seek to build a roster capable of contending in a competitive Western Conference.

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