Pelicans predicted to cut ties with $197 million two-time All-Star to rebuild around Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears
The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves at a franchise-altering crossroads, and the patience for their longtime cornerstone has reportedly evaporated. According to emerging league analysis and reports, the organization is predicted to finally cut ties with Zion Williamson, ending a tumultuous seven-year experiment to fully pivot toward a rebuild centered on dynamic rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears.
Williamson, currently in the third year of his five-year, $197 million designated rookie extension, remains a force of nature when he is on the floor. However, availability continues to be the defining issue of his tenure. The two-time All-Star has missed significant stretches of the 2025-26 campaign with a lingering adductor injury, a recurring theme that has consistently derailed the Pelicans' postseason aspirations. With the team languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the front office appears ready to acknowledge that the current timeline is broken beyond repair.
Fortunately, the rapid emergence of the 2025 draft class has provided a clear exit strategy. Jeremiah Fears, selected seventh overall, and Derik Queen, acquired at pick thirteen, have quickly established themselves as the "untouchable" pillars of the franchise. Queen, a skilled big man out of Maryland, recently electrified the fanbase with a stunning 33-point triple-double against the San Antonio Spurs, showcasing a blend of scoring touch and playmaking vision that is rare for a rookie. Simultaneously, Fears has seized control of the offense, displaying a level of confidence and "star power" that has made him an instant fan favorite in the Crescent City.
Trading Williamson would be a painful admission of failure regarding the 2019 draft hype, but it is becoming a necessary surgical strike. By moving the 25-year-old forward, New Orleans could recoup valuable assets and draft capital to build a roster that fits the developmental timeline of Queen and Fears. Analysts suggest that despite the injury history, a desperate contender believing in their medical staff would still pay a premium for Williamson's upside. For New Orleans, the choice is becoming obvious: stop chasing a "what if" scenario with Williamson and fully commit to the tangible promise of their new rookie duo.
Williamson, currently in the third year of his five-year, $197 million designated rookie extension, remains a force of nature when he is on the floor. However, availability continues to be the defining issue of his tenure. The two-time All-Star has missed significant stretches of the 2025-26 campaign with a lingering adductor injury, a recurring theme that has consistently derailed the Pelicans' postseason aspirations. With the team languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the front office appears ready to acknowledge that the current timeline is broken beyond repair.
Fortunately, the rapid emergence of the 2025 draft class has provided a clear exit strategy. Jeremiah Fears, selected seventh overall, and Derik Queen, acquired at pick thirteen, have quickly established themselves as the "untouchable" pillars of the franchise. Queen, a skilled big man out of Maryland, recently electrified the fanbase with a stunning 33-point triple-double against the San Antonio Spurs, showcasing a blend of scoring touch and playmaking vision that is rare for a rookie. Simultaneously, Fears has seized control of the offense, displaying a level of confidence and "star power" that has made him an instant fan favorite in the Crescent City.
Trading Williamson would be a painful admission of failure regarding the 2019 draft hype, but it is becoming a necessary surgical strike. By moving the 25-year-old forward, New Orleans could recoup valuable assets and draft capital to build a roster that fits the developmental timeline of Queen and Fears. Analysts suggest that despite the injury history, a desperate contender believing in their medical staff would still pay a premium for Williamson's upside. For New Orleans, the choice is becoming obvious: stop chasing a "what if" scenario with Williamson and fully commit to the tangible promise of their new rookie duo.
