Overview
- New Orleans has opened 2-6 after an 0-6 start, underscoring a sluggish launch to the 2025–26 season.
- The team announced Williamson will miss at least 7–10 days with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
- Recent roster gambles include sending a fully unprotected 2026 first and the No. 23 pick to Atlanta for No. 13, used on Derik Queen, following a 2024 trade for Dejounte Murray that cost two future firsts.
- Reporting notes Williamson has appeared in roughly 46% of games since 2019 and has never played in the postseason, with league intel describing his trade value as modest despite contract protections.
- Analysts credit hits like Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones and a potential value add in Saddiq Bey, yet one executive suggests a win-now move may be likelier than trading Williamson given expected returns.