The New Orleans Pelicans have been urged to move on from Zion Williamson as they currently sit 13th in the Western Conference. With a 13-29 conference play record, the former Number 1 overall pick most recently missed a game against the Los Angeles Clippers after rolling his ankle against Utah.
Despite returning just a game later, this ended a historical run for the Pelicans star. Before missing New Orleans’s clash with the Clippers, Williamson had played in a career-high 35 consecutive games, which ended that night due to the injury he sustained against Utah.
Kendrick Perkins Suggests Pelicans to Bid Adieu to Zion Williamson
Despite his most recent successful run of games, 2008 NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins believes that the Pelicans should move on from the former Number 1 overall pick. Perkins spent a single season in New Orleans, which was dominated by injury struggles.
Zion Williamson today:
19 points
10 rebounds
3 assists
6/13 FGMThe Pelicans lost to the Suns by 2 pic.twitter.com/T8OvnUrjKe
— Daily Basketball Statlines (@DailyNBAStats) March 7, 2026
“If I’m the Pelicans, I definitely shop him this offseason. To see what kind of assets I could get back. So Zion Williamson, with this sample size, he’s not only helping the Pelicans, but I believe he’s helping himself. And I just feel like it’s too late to try to rekindle this relationship.” Perkins stated.
Across 47 games this season, including 40 starts, Williamson is averaging 21.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. He has been having one of the healthiest stretches of his career. There has also been no public indication that the Pelicans are looking to move on from him.
Over seven seasons with the Pelicans, Williamson has helped guide them to the playoffs twice. However, he missed both playoff appearances due to injury. Despite his significant injury history, Perkins believes that the former number 1 pick may be an asset elsewhere.
“Do I believe that Zion Williamson could go and be a help to somebody? Absolutely. Like I believe he could be a second or third option to a main option. But he’s not a cornerstone where you want to build your franchise around.” Perkins stated.
With Williamson’s recent run of games, he may have helped dispel the narrative that he is injury-prone. This, as Perkins stated, could lead to a better market for the Pelicans.’ forward in the offseason.
Most recently, the Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawks both received compensation for players who were struggling with injuries in Anthony Davis and Trae Young. Most notably, the Mavericks received first-round compensation from the Washington Wizards for Davis.
Williamson is in the middle of a 5-year, $197.2 million deal that expires in 2028. However, certain conditions in this contract require the Pelicans’ forward to play a certain number of games to guarantee the final years of the contract.
After meeting the conditions of his contract, the Pelicans will be unable to waive Zion without financial ramifications. However, that was most likely never part of the equation unless in extreme circumstances. Instead, New Orleans may look to capitalize on the forward’s most recent run of games.
