The 2025 NBA draft lottery didn't go the way that many New Orleans Pelicans fans were hoping. Be that as it may, they did get major news, just not how they were expecting.
Despite them ending up with the seventh overall pick, the Pelicans did seemingly make it clear where they stand with star Zion Williamson. Williamson is reportedly on the trading block this summer, with new GM Joe Dumars expected to shop him after being hired.
Interestingly, however, Zion was in the building and representing the team during the draft lottery process. If he was expecting to be traded, then he likely wouldn't have made the trip to Brooklyn just to wait for his team's name to be called. That could potentially hint at the Pelicans' plans for him going forward.
The New Orleans Pelicans appear to be keeping Zion Williamson
Reading a lot into their decision to have Zion represent their team at the draft lottery could be a fool's errand. Even so, it does seem notable, given the rumors about him being traded.
Perhaps they had him as a representative to try and smooth things over and ensure that he was on the same page with management. It also could be that the Pelicans were hoping to get a top three pick to pair him with a younger star.
With that likely no longer the case, they could still field offers for him. Nevertheless, attempting to trade him this summer could prove to be more difficult than normal given the amount of star power on the trade block.
The Pelicans may not get much for Williamson if they trade him
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant both could be moved this summer, with Williamson behind them in the star pecking order. That could mean the Pelicans won't get anywhere near what they're expecting for him and may end up opting to keep him entering the 2025-26 season.
With him playing extremely well after recovering from his hamstring injury this season, they could see if he is able to rehab his trade value by getting off to a strong start next season. Then again, if he's able to stay healthy like he did in 2023-24, then they may reconsider and try to keep him going forward.
All things considered, Zion making an appearance at the NBA Draft Lottery seems significant. However, it may be too early to tell whether he will be traded, even though the signs currently point to no.