Pelicans have ‘never’ discussed Zion Williamson trade, relationship is ‘as good as it’s ever been’

Given Zion Williamson has battled accidents since he was the NBA’s first general decide in 2019, there’s hypothesis the New Orleans Pelicans need to transfer on from him.

The team says that would not be farther from the reality.

Pelicans govt vp of basketball operations David Griffin instructed SiriusXM NBA Radio Williamson’s title has not come up in any commerce discussions.

“We by no means had a single [trade] dialog that Zion was a part of. I feel folks perceived that we might be prepared to maneuver off of Zion due to all of the accidents, as a result of there’s all the time a lot noise round Zion,” Griffin said. “Happily for us, the noise by no means matches what we’re really experiencing.”

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Williamson has made extra headlines off the ground than on it not too long ago. He discovered himself as the topic of a Twitter controversy after ex-porn star Moriah Mills threatened to launch intercourse tapes of the 2 shortly after she seemingly confessed her love for him.

“I feel what’s unlucky is that he’s a reputation that generates clicks it doesn’t matter what the hyperlink says,” Griffin stated. “Zion places on his socks. Folks click on on that. So, it makes it very easy for folks to fabricate rumor round him as a result of they don’t need to have any precise credibility behind what they are saying to generate clicks.

“As a society, this isn’t [just] true of sports activities, that is true throughout all platforms — actuality doesn’t matter anymore. Producing clicks issues. So, sadly for Zion, he’s simply an oddity and someone that folks pay quite a lot of consideration to and manufacture quite a lot of tales round.”

New Orleans Pelicans ahead Zion Williamson towards the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Heart in Phoenix, Ariz., Dec 17, 2022. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA As we speak Sports activities)

Williamson not too long ago admitted he has had trouble with his dietwhich has additionally contributed to him not taking part in.

“It is arduous, man. I am 20, 22, have all the cash on this planet – nicely, it appears like all the cash on this planet. It is arduous,” Williamson stated when he was requested about maintaining a healthy diet and staying in prime bodily form.

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“I am at that time now, due to sure issues, I am placing again the knowledge round me. I do not need to say older as a result of they get defensive, however I am placing folks round me with knowledge. Put me on sport to sure issues. And simply go from there.”

New Orleans Pelicans energy ahead Zion Williamson on the bench through the first quarter towards the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Heart in Sacramento, Calif., March 6, 2023. (Kelley L Cox/USA As we speak Sports activities)

The 6-foot-6, 284-pound Pelicans ahead has been restricted to 114 regular-season appearances out of a attainable 308 video games in his four years in the league. A foot harm sidelined Williamson for your entire 2021-22 season.

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In 29 video games final 12 months, he averaged 26.0 factors, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists. In his profession, he is put up 25.8 factors, 7.0 boards and three.6 dishes per contest.

Fox Information’ Chantz Martin contributed to this report.