Zion Williamson wants out of New Orleans, at least according to Stephen A. Smith.
ESPN's talking head declared during Monday's episode of “First Take” that the Pelicans star no longer wants to be a part of the organization.
“Zion doesn't want to be in New Orleans, he doesn't want to be there.” smith said. “He wants marketability, so he wants to get into major markets like Los Angeles and New York.”
Smith's comments came in the wake of Williamson's one-game suspension for missing a team flight to Philadelphia, the latest in a series of incidents involving the Pelicans forward. It became.
The penalty imposed by the team suggested to former NBA star Gilbert Arenas that Williamson's time in NOLA may be coming to an end.
“If you suspend him after you've already fined him, that's two penalties for the same thing.” Arenas said Tuesday on his “Gills Arena” podcast.. “It's like if you're late for a flight, you don't get a game check. It's already a fine, not a game check. So your relationship with him is officially over. If you're late for something, you get $300,000. Are you going to be fined? Get out of here.”
Williamson played in just eight games in the 2024-25 season due to injury.
During this time, he averaged 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.
Williamson took “full responsibility” for what led to his suspension.
“I have worked hard in rehab to stay healthy for this team,” he said in a statement. “There is no excuse for being late to team activities. I owe Mrs. Benson, my teammates and coaches an apology, and I owe an apology to the fans.
“I can and will get better as a teammate and as a member of this organization.”
The two-time All-Star missed Friday's game against the 76ers, but has been in the lineup for the last two games, including Tuesday night's game against the Bulls.
