Former NBA center Kendrick Perkins believes the New Orleans Pelicans should consider a major decision involving Zion Williamson this offseason, suggesting that the franchise evaluate potential trade offers for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Perkins shared his perspective during a recent episode of The Road Trippin' Show, where he discussed Williamson's recent improved availability and the Pelicans' long-term direction.
"If I'm the Pelicans, I'd definitely shop around this offseason to see what kind of assets I can get back," Perkins said.
"So, with this sample size of Zion, he's not only helping the Pelicans, but I believe he's helping himself. And I think it's too late now...to try to rekindle this relationship and make it work and say he's going to be our guy?"
The 25-year-old Williamson has delivered one of the healthiest seasons of his NBA career. He recently played 35 consecutive games, the longest such streak of his professional tenure, which has helped change the narrative about his durability.
In 47 games this season, including 40 starts, Williamson is averaging 21.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He is shooting 58.7 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range while playing 29.6 minutes per contest.
"If I'm the Pelicans, I'll definitely shop him this offseason to see what kind of assets I can get back... It's too late to restart this relationship."
Kendrick Perkins thinks New Orleans should trade Zion Williamson
(via @RoadTrippinShow)pic.twitter.com/T4BJBdrjae
- ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 6 March 2026
Despite Williamson's individual production, the Pelicans have struggled to translate that performance into consistent team success. New Orleans currently sits in 13th place in the Western Conference standings with a 20-44 record, which raises questions about the organization's long-term roster construction.
Kendrick Perkins questions Zion Williamson's long-term future with Pelicans
Perkins acknowledged Williamson's progress this season but questioned whether the forward should remain the centerpiece of the franchise moving forward.
"Do I believe Zion can go and help and be a man for somebody? Absolutely," Perkins said.
“Like, I believe he can be a second or third option to the main option, but he's not a cornerstone where you really want to build your franchise.”
Perkins also credited Williamson for reshaping the conversation around his professionalism and accountability during the current season.
Perkins said, "But I believe Zion has changed the story about him." "Shout out to him because accountability means having tough conversations with people in his circle, leaving some people in his circle, going under Bill Duffy's wing, and being able to have that level of accountability."
The Pelicans have not publicly indicated any intention to move Williamson, who remains one of the league's most talented offensive players even when healthy. However, the team's record and long-term trajectory could impact how the front office moves forward in the upcoming offseason.
For now, New Orleans is focused on finishing the season. The Pelicans are scheduled to conclude a six-game road trip on Friday night when they face the Phoenix Suns (35-27) at 9:00 pm ET.
