The New Orleans Pelicans picked up a much-needed win over the Memphis Grizzlies, 114-106, in a game that offered a rare glimpse of momentum for a team still trying to find its rhythm this season. Now sitting at 13-37, the Pelicans are far from where they hoped to be, but the victory gave fans a reminder of what this group can look like when things click-especially when Zion Williamson is active and engaged.
Zion’s presence on the floor continues to be the biggest swing factor in New Orleans’ success. When he’s healthy, he’s still a force-averaging 22 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game on an ultra-efficient 58.5% shooting from the field.
Those are numbers that don’t just look good on paper; they translate to real impact. He draws defenders like a magnet, opens up space for his teammates, and brings a level of physicality that few in the league can match.
But the issue, as it’s been for much of his career, isn’t about how he plays-it’s how often he can play. Zion has suited up for 34 games this season, and while that’s a step in the right direction, the cloud of inconsistency still hangs over the franchise. The Pelicans need him not just to be great in flashes, but to be available consistently if they want to build any kind of sustainable success.
Heading into tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Pelicans appear mostly healthy. Zion is not on the injury report, a welcome sign for a team that’s struggled to maintain continuity.
The only notable absence will be Dejounte Murray, who remains sidelined with an ACL injury. That gives head coach Willie Green a full rotation to work with-something that’s been a luxury more than a norm this season.
Still, with the trade deadline looming and the team sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the Pelicans’ front office is reportedly exploring ways to reshape the roster for the long haul. According to league chatter, one proposed trade scenario would send Zion Williamson to the Chicago Bulls-a move that would mark a dramatic shift in direction for New Orleans.
The idea behind the deal is straightforward: the Bulls are looking for a spark, and Zion’s explosive athleticism could be the jolt they need. His ability to run the floor and attack the rim fits well with Chicago’s up-tempo style, and even without a reliable outside shot or major defensive presence, Zion still has the kind of gravity that warps defenses and changes games.
For the Pelicans, the potential return would center around a 2026 first-round pick and a collection of role players. It’s not a blockbuster haul, but it would signal a clear pivot toward the future-one that acknowledges the difficulty of building around a star whose availability remains in question. And while New Orleans can’t fully tank due to a pick owed to the Atlanta Hawks, moving Zion would effectively hit the reset button, giving the franchise a chance to retool and reimagine its core.
It’s a tough call. The Zion era once felt like the dawn of something special in New Orleans.
The highlights, the promise, the sheer dominance when he’s locked in-it’s all still there. But so is the uncertainty.
And that’s the balancing act the Pelicans now face: hold onto the dream, or make the hard choice and start fresh.
Either way, the next few weeks could define where this team goes next-not just this season, but for years to come.