The Pelicans are exploring the trading market for the entire lineup, including Zion Williamson

According to the latest article by Vishvisha Kumar, a contributor to US sports media F/W. According to NBA insider Kevin O’Connor, the New Orleans Pelicans are now “measure the market for everyone on their roster,” which heralds a possible full reset after a disastrous 2024-25 season. That includes Zion, the team’s former No. 1 pick and cornerstone, whose injury-ridden career has stagnated what once looked like a championship-level reconstruction.

This development occurred after a series of cruel setbacks. The Pelicans ended 21-61, the fourth-worst record in the NBA, even though they entered the season with big ambitions. Their list combines talent and depth, Zion, Ingram, McCollum, Murphy III and Murray. But injuries are cruel. Murray tore his ACL after just 31 games. Zion himself played only 30 games, again missing due to hamstring and back problems. The rest of the list was also affected, resulting in another year wasted.

The Pelicans have fired David Griffin, president of basketball operations, and replaced it with Joe Dumas, who now has a huge responsibility to reshape the team. According to Pelicans insider Shamit Dua, the boss reportedly wanted Dumas to trade Zion Williamson, a request that Dumas later publicly denied, but many believe it reflects internal pressure to start over. Dumas, who was diplomatic at his introductory press conference, said he had a "special conversation" with Zion since joining the team. However, he also spoke sharply about accountability and setting undiscussed standards, indirectly targeting Zion’s well-documented issues in terms of physical fitness, availability and off-site interference. The reality is hard to ignore: Since being drafted in 2019, Zion has played only 214 of the possible 472 games. That's less than 46%. He has never played in the playoffs and signed a five-year, $197 million contract that could be an albatross if the injury persists.

Even if Zion is healthy, his influence is weakened by the uncertainty around him. The talent of the flash, his explosive score, the gravity in the transition and the unstoppable paint presence are all real. But doubts follow. Is he a player you can develop around him? Or do you have to keep planning? The report from O'Connor not only shows that Zion is available; it confirms that no player on the Pelicans roster is considered untouchable. This includes Murray, CJ, and even young geniuses like Murphy and Jones. Dumas clearly has the right to explore any and all paths to sustainable success, which could mean selling at a high price, becoming younger and maximizing flexibility in the future. This offseason is probably the most important season in team history. If they trade Zion, the team’s future will depend on return chips, draft capital and cultural reset under Dumas. The Pelicans have been talking about building something for years. Now, are they worth trying to rebuild?