Zion Williamson’s inability to stay healthy and Derik Queen’s emergence spark debate about the Pelicans’ future, with analysts echoing what fans already know.
When the 2025–26 season tipped off, it looked like this might finally be the year Zion Williamson wasn’t surrounded by trade rumors. He came into training camp in the best shape of his career and was ready to step into a leadership role. However, with him appearing in only 10 games and being sidelined for an extended period due to an abductor injury, it seems there’s no better time than now for the New Orleans Pelicans to move on from Z.