126.5 million in 3 years left! It was revealed that the Pelicans are extremely unlikely to trade Zion, and the new executive has completed multiple communications

On May 29, Beijing time, according to Pelicans reporter William Guillory, the Pelicans are "extremely unlikely" to trade forward Zion Williamson this offseason. Zion's contract for the next three seasons is worth about $126.5 million.

In the 2024-25 season, Zion has once again cut short due to injury — the fourth time in his six-year NBA career that he has played in fewer than 30 games. His injury troubles, the Pelicans' overall disappointing season performance, and a change in management (Joe Dumas was hired as the team's new president of basketball operations) have all sparked speculation that the former No. 1 pick could be put on the shelf this summer.

But Guillory noted that Dumas has had "multiple conversations" with the Zion team since he replaced David Griffin at the Pelicans head last month, and the two sides are pleased with how the partnership is progressing ahead of next season.

Echoing previous reports from Stein, Guillory also confirmed that it was "no accident" that the Pelicans had Zion represent the team at this month's lottery draw, and that Zion's decision to attend was also considered. Stein has previously noted that Williamson represented the team in the lottery ceremony, strongly suggesting that he will remain the core of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Although Zion played in just 214 regular-season games in six NBA seasons and never made the playoffs, he was a stellar performer when he was healthy—averaging 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists per game and 31.4 minutes per game in his career.

Guillory mentioned that after missing most of the season due to a hamstring problem, Zion showed his career-best form in the second half of the season, playing some of his best personal basketball performances. This period is a reminder that healthy Zion brings more value to the Pelicans on the court than they might get in return on the trade market.

However, Guillory said that while the chances of Zion being traded this summer are extremely low, the new management is unlikely to be as patient with the 24-year-old as the former if he continues to have problems with fitness, fitness or professional attitude.