The New Orleans Pelicans picked up a much-needed win over the Memphis Grizzlies, taking the game 114-106 and showing flashes of the potential that’s been buried under a tough season. That brings their record to 13-37 - not where they hoped to be, but a step in the right direction as they look to build momentum heading into a crucial stretch.
At the center of it all, as always, is Zion Williamson. When he’s on the floor, the Pelicans look like a different team - more dynamic, more aggressive, more dangerous.
The challenge? Keeping him there.
Zion’s health has been the storyline for much of his career, and this season is no different. He’s played in 34 games so far, putting up 22 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting an elite 58.5% from the field.
That kind of efficiency is rare, especially for a player who operates so much in traffic.
But consistency is the key. The Pelicans need Zion not just for stretches, but for the long haul - especially if they’re going to claw their way back into relevance in the Western Conference.
The good news: he’s not listed on the injury report for tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, which means New Orleans should be rolling out a mostly healthy rotation. The only confirmed absence is Dejounte Murray, who remains sidelined with an ACL injury.
The Pelicans front office, meanwhile, isn’t sitting still. With the trade deadline looming and the team stuck in the lower tier of the standings, there's an increasing sense that big decisions are on the horizon. The franchise is reportedly exploring ways to retool the roster - and that includes evaluating the future of Zion Williamson himself.
One proposed trade scenario making the rounds would send Zion to the Chicago Bulls, a team looking to inject some star power into its lineup and make a real push beyond the play-in tournament. The Bulls believe Zion’s explosive athleticism and ability to thrive in an up-tempo system could be the missing piece to elevate their offense and give them a true identity.
In return, New Orleans would receive a package that includes a 2026 first-round pick and multiple role players - a move that would signal a soft reset for the franchise. While the Pelicans can’t fully tank this season due to their pick being owed to the Atlanta Hawks, a trade like this would allow them to pivot toward a younger core and remove the uncertainty that comes with Zion’s injury history.
There’s no denying Zion’s impact when he’s healthy. Even without a reliable outside shot or a major defensive presence, his ability to control the paint and generate offense is undeniable. But for a franchise that’s struggled to find consistency, the lingering question is whether they can continue to build around a player whose availability has been anything but guaranteed.
For now, the Pelicans are focused on the here and now - and with a healthy roster heading into tonight’s game, they’ll look to string together some wins and keep the pressure on in a crowded Western Conference. But make no mistake: the clock is ticking in New Orleans, and the next few weeks could shape the future of this franchise for years to come.