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Pelicans Reaffirm Commitment to Zion Williamson With $39.4M Contract

Joe Dumars has declared Williamson the franchise cornerstone, shaping roster strategy despite recurring injury setbacks.

Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 08, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mar 17, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Joe Dumars said he is really impressed with Williamson’s impact and denied any ongoing trade discussions.
  • New Orleans guaranteed Williamson $39.4 million for the 2025-26 season, with additional salaries tied to games-played benchmarks.
  • Williamson averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists last season but missed 30 games due to hamstring, back, calf and ankle injuries.
  • Organizational sources tell FastbreakJournal.com that the Pelicans are not exploring trade scenarios for Williamson, though no player is deemed untouchable.
  • The team has overhauled its supporting staff and roster construction to boost Williamson’s durability and long-term on-court impact.