Overview
- NBA insider Chris Haynes reports New Orleans has informed teams that Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears will not be traded before the Feb. 5 deadline.
- The decision comes with the Pelicans at 8-31 and without their upcoming first-round pick after moving up to draft Queen, factors that had fueled trade speculation.
- Chicago had been scouting New Orleans and was linked as a potential suitor for Williamson using expiring contracts, but the Pelicans’ stance cools near-term scenarios.
- Williamson has appeared in 23 games this season with hamstring and adductor issues and is earning $39.4 million, with two additional seasons at $42.2 million and $44.9 million under contract.
- Reporting indicates New Orleans could still consider moves involving other rotation players, while keeping its identified core in place through the deadline.