New Orleans Pelicans (June 2025) declare 'no untouchables,' sparking Zion Williamson trade rumors after a 21-61 season. Will the superstar be moved?
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
Hold onto your hats, Pelicans faithful! Monday, June 2, 2025, dropped a bombshell on the Big Easy: the New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly open to trading ANY player on the roster, and yes, that includes superstar Zion Williamson. New General Manager Joe Dumars is clearly not afraid to shake things up as the team stares down a crucial offseason after a disappointing 21-61 campaign.
No player is off the table. The Pelicans are officially open for business, and the entire NBA is watching.
The declaration of 'no untouchables' signifies a seismic shift in the Pelicans' approach. After another season marred by injuries and unmet expectations, culminating in a dismal 21-61 record, new GM Joe Dumars is spearheading a comprehensive evaluation. The message is clear: the status quo is unacceptable. This aggressive stance has immediately thrown Zion Williamson's future in New Orleans into question. Despite averaging a robust 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, his availability (just 30 games played) remains a critical concern, prompting serious consideration of trade scenarios that could reshape the franchise from the ground up.
Zion Williamson finds himself at a significant crossroads. His undeniable talent, reflected in his per-game stats, is constantly weighed against his injury history and now, intensifying trade rumors. Compounding the uncertainty are ongoing legal challenges stemming from allegations dating back to his college days. Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars is reportedly meticulously weighing the immense potential Williamson brings against the risks and the potential haul a blockbuster trade could yield. It's a high-stakes decision that will define the Pelicans' trajectory for years to come.
While Zion's situation dominates headlines, Trey Murphy III has quietly become one of the hottest names on the trade market. The 24-year-old wing enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 season, averaging an impressive 21.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game before a torn labrum cut his campaign short. His dynamic scoring, highlighted by a memorable 34-point outburst against the Miami Heat, hasn't gone unnoticed. Multiple teams are reportedly inquiring about Murphy's availability, making him a key piece in the Pelicans' offseason chessboard, whether as a cornerstone to build around or a valuable asset to flip.
The desire to accumulate assets and reshape the roster is evident in the swirling trade proposals. One notable three-team idea surfaced today, suggesting defensive stalwart Herb Jones could be headed to the Los Angeles Lakers, with sparkplug guard Jose Alvarado potentially landing with the Atlanta Hawks. In return, the Pelicans would aim to secure a package of draft picks and young talent. This aggressive posture extends to the upcoming NBA Draft, where the Pelicans hold the No. 7 overall pick. Projections indicate they are targeting Kon Knueppel, a 6'7" wing from Duke. Analysts believe the focus will be on a reliable, two-way player who can contribute immediately, addressing the team's chronic injury issues and lack of stability.
Naturally, the New Orleans faithful are buzzing. Social media and fan forums lit up on June 2nd with passionate debates about potential draft-night trades and what moves could finally propel the team towards a sustained playoff presence. Discussions range from targeting established players like the Indiana Pacers' big man to various scenarios involving their own core. This fervent anticipation underscores the fanbase's hunger for a fresh start and a clear, winning direction after a tough season.
Buckle up, Pels fans. This offseason is shaping up to be one of the most transformative in recent memory. With Joe Dumars at the helm and a clear mandate for change, the only certainty is that the Pelicans team we see in October will likely look very different. The NBA Draft is just the first major checkpoint, and the trade winds are already howling. Stay tuned, because the Big Easy is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
