The New Orleans Pelicans may be inching toward fielding trade inquiries for forward Zion Williamson, according to several league insiders who say the club’s dismal start has reshaped internal calculations.
Chris Dodson of ClutchPoints reported that Williamson is viewed as increasingly unlikely to remain in New Orleans for the long term, even though the organization has held no substantive trade talks to date. The former No. 1 overall pick is currently out with an adductor strain and is playing under a unique maximum contract that includes periodic weight checks and game-based guarantees, factors some executives believe give the deal a negative value.
Speaking on a Bleacher Report live stream, NBA insider Jake Fischer said there is a growing belief around the league that the Pelicans will “listen” to offers for Williamson—and possibly other key pieces.
Fischer added that rival front offices think New Orleans is signaling early openness on wings Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III. Both players are locked into team-friendly contracts worth under $30 million annually, a favorable figure under the league’s new salary cap landscape. According to Fischer, the Pelicans would seek multiple first-round picks for either Jones or Murphy.
Dodson noted that the odds of moving Jones have “risen exponentially” as the club has stumbled to a 3-20 record. Jones cannot be traded until Jan. 14 because of his recent extension, while Murphy is eligible to be dealt immediately—though Dodson previously reported the Pelicans considered him part of their core.
In contrast, Will Guillory of The Athletic reported that New Orleans has not engaged in trade discussions involving Williamson, Jones or Murphy. For now, the franchise continues to project stability publicly as the rest of the league monitors its next move.
Source: Hoops Wire
