In a bold claim that has sparked heated discussions across the NBA landscape, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith suggested that Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans‘ young superstar, is eager to leave the franchise. Speaking on First Take, Smith stated:
“Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t want to be there. He wants to be in a major market like L.A., New York, or whatever, because he wants the marketability.”
“What he doesn’t realize is somebody like Ja Morant, even with his troubles from the past, Ja Morant is a spectacular talent that shows up and plays most times unless he is injured and this brother can be box office.”
“He’s clearly the better of the two in terms of his availability and his professionalism even with some of his troubles.”
“You look at Zion Williamson right now, it’s becoming a joke. You know that this brother has got superstar written all over him as a talent, but he doesn’t appear to care enough about being a professional and he certainly, I don’t believe, wants to be in New Orleans.”
“I think he wants out, I think that’s what this is all about and I think he’d rather be someplace else. But why should anybody want him if this is what you’re going to get?”
This revelation comes amidst a turbulent season for the Pelicans, who sit near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a dismal 8-32 record. Williamson, despite being one of the most talented young players in the league, has faced consistent criticism for his availability and professionalism. Adding fuel to the fire, Williamson recently served a one-game suspension for violating team rules after reportedly being late for a team flight and other activities.
Williamson’s tenure with the Pelicans has been marked by repeated setbacks. In his five seasons with the team, he has played in just 184 games, missing significant time due to injuries and conditioning issues. This season, he has only appeared in eight games, averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists—a testament to his undeniable talent when healthy.
However, availability remains the key issue. Even with Williamson’s strong on-court performances, the Pelicans have struggled to build momentum. In 2022, the franchise attempted to safeguard its future by incorporating weight and body-fat clauses into Williamson’s five-year contract extension. These stipulations tie portions of his salary to fitness and game appearances, emphasizing the team’s concern about his long-term reliability.
Smith’s assertion that Williamson desires a move to a larger market like Los Angeles or New York aligns with ongoing whispers around the league. As one of the most marketable stars of his generation, Williamson’s popularity skyrocketed during his time at Duke University, and many believe he could unlock greater commercial opportunities in a bigger city.
Major markets like L.A. or New York would also provide Zion with enhanced visibility and sponsorship potential. However, his off-court marketability hinges on his ability to stay on the court consistently—a challenge that has dogged him throughout his young career.
The Pelicans are in a precarious position. Williamson’s immense potential makes him a cornerstone talent, but the ongoing concerns about his commitment and professionalism cast a shadow over his future with the team. Recent reports suggest Williamson parted ways with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), potentially signaling further discontent or a shift in his career direction.
Trading Williamson would be a seismic move, but the Pelicans might find it challenging to secure fair value for a player with as many questions as accolades. His contract and injury history could deter suitors, leaving New Orleans in a bind as they evaluate their options.
As speculation swirls, the Pelicans must decide whether to double down on their investment in Williamson or explore trade opportunities to reset their rebuild. For Zion, his next steps will determine whether he fulfills his promise as a generational talent or becomes another “what if” story in NBA history.
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