The New Orleans Pelicans have had a surprisingly busy 2025 offseason, and after trading for Jordan Poole, are putting together an impressive core. The Pelicans

If the Pelicans had placed Williamson on waivers before Tuesday, they would’ve been on the hook for only a portion of his $39.4 million salary for the upcoming season. The final two seasons of his contract would have also been wiped off the books.

There have been rumblings about the New Orleans Pelicans potentially looking to trade star Zion Williamson, but that task gets trickier after a deadline passed on Thursday.

New Orleans included stipulations to Williamson’s contract that gave the team salary protection in the event of injuries.

Doesn't suit up Wednesday