The New Orleans Pelicans have “worked through some trade scenarios” involving Zion Williamson, according to NBA insider Jake Madison of the Locked on Pelicans Podcast.
Williamson has only appeared in 114 out of possible 308 regular-season games since being drafted by the Pelicans.
According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, Williamson’s relationship with New Orleans vice president of player care Adrian Nelson became strained during his rookie season and the Duke product refused to work with Nelson sometimes.
“Williamson’s relationship with Nelson became strained during his rookie season,” Clark wrote. “At different points, Williamson refused to work with him. It was a rocky first few months for Nelson, whose arrival to the Pelicans was trumpeted with a glowing 1,800-word profile on their team website.”
Williamson played in 24 games in his rookie year and 61 games in his sophomore year. The two-time All-Star missed his entire third year and appeared in just 29 games this season. Williamson signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with the Pelicans in July 2022.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
When he’s been on the court, Williamson has been a superstar. The North Carolina native has career averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists. However, there have been questions about Williamson’s diet and commitment to basketball.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley recently gave some advice to Williamson, urging the lefty to get in shape.
“Zion Williamson, yo man,” Barkley said. “I don’t know you. We’ve never met. But somebody gotta tell you like, ‘Yo man, you gotta get in shape.’ Cuz you gonna keep getting hurt if you’re out of shape. I don’t think the coach has enough power to tell you what to do. I don’t think David Griffin, who’s a friend of mine, has enough power to tell you what to do.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
“I’ve seen dozen of guys eat their way outta the NBA. It can happen quickly because once you start getting hurt, you gon’ keep getting hurt. My first contract was four-years, $2 million. I got in shape for $2 million. You gon’ make another $500 million. All you gotta do is get in shape.”
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