Pelicans predicted to cut ties with Zion Williamson so he can join Eastern Conference hopeful
The inevitable divorce between Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans appears to be reaching its final, painful crescendo. For years, the franchise held onto the hope that the former No. 1 overall pick would transcend his injury history and lead the organization to championship contention. However, as the calendar turns to 2026, patience has officially eroded. According to recent predictions surfacing in league circles, specifically from Sporting News and CBS Sports, the Pelicans are preparing to sever ties with the enigmatic forward, potentially clearing the way for him to join an Eastern Conference hopeful desperate for star power: the Chicago Bulls.
The logic behind this seismic roster shift is rooted in the emergence of rookie sensation Derik Queen. The Pelicans have reportedly determined that Williamson and Queen are a "clunky" defensive pairing, and with Queen representing the franchise's healthy, available future, Williamson has become the odd man out. The report suggests New Orleans may go as far as waiving Williamson if a trade involving his max salary yields only "toxic" assets in return. The priority has shifted entirely to building a functional rim-protecting infrastructure around their new young core, rather than waiting on Williamson’s availability.
For the Chicago Bulls, acquiring Williamson represents a classic low-risk, high-reward gamble. The franchise, perpetually stuck in the play-in tournament purgatory, is in dire need of a talent infusion that can sell tickets and raise their ceiling. While the on-court fit with ball-dominant guard Josh Giddey raises questions about spacing and pace, Chicago views Williamson as a "gettable" superstar who doesn't require mortgaging their entire future draft capital.
Ultimately, this potential move signals the merciful end of an era defined by "what ifs." If the Pelicans indeed cut ties, it allows New Orleans to financially reset around Queen while giving Williamson a fresh start in a major market. For the Bulls, it is a swing for the fences—hoping that a change of scenery can finally unlock the generational dominance Williamson promised nearly seven years ago.
The logic behind this seismic roster shift is rooted in the emergence of rookie sensation Derik Queen. The Pelicans have reportedly determined that Williamson and Queen are a "clunky" defensive pairing, and with Queen representing the franchise's healthy, available future, Williamson has become the odd man out. The report suggests New Orleans may go as far as waiving Williamson if a trade involving his max salary yields only "toxic" assets in return. The priority has shifted entirely to building a functional rim-protecting infrastructure around their new young core, rather than waiting on Williamson’s availability.
For the Chicago Bulls, acquiring Williamson represents a classic low-risk, high-reward gamble. The franchise, perpetually stuck in the play-in tournament purgatory, is in dire need of a talent infusion that can sell tickets and raise their ceiling. While the on-court fit with ball-dominant guard Josh Giddey raises questions about spacing and pace, Chicago views Williamson as a "gettable" superstar who doesn't require mortgaging their entire future draft capital.
Ultimately, this potential move signals the merciful end of an era defined by "what ifs." If the Pelicans indeed cut ties, it allows New Orleans to financially reset around Queen while giving Williamson a fresh start in a major market. For the Bulls, it is a swing for the fences—hoping that a change of scenery can finally unlock the generational dominance Williamson promised nearly seven years ago.
