Shams: 'Not Holding My Breath' on Zion Williamson Trade amid NBA Rumors

New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson's disappointing 2024-25 campaign has led to speculation that he could be on the verge of being traded this season, but one insider doesn't expect him to go anywhere.

ESPN's Shams Charania said during an appearance on Wednesday's episode of NBA Countdown that he's "not holding my breath" on Williamson being traded ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline (7:50 mark).

The Athletic's Jovan Buha recently named Williamson among the players the Pelicans have "been shopping" this season. Still, it would be a surprise to see New Orleans ship away a player once thought to be the future face of the franchise.

Williamson hasn't played since Nov. 6 and has been limited to six games this season due to a left hamstring strain. In his brief time on the floor, he's averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

Being without Williamson is nothing new for the Pelicans, as he's played in less than 30 games in three seasons since New Orleans drafted him No. 1 overall in 2019, including missing the entirety of the 2021-22 campaign.

The Pelicans announced on Tuesday that Williamson has begun the conditioning phase of his rehab and is expected to return to full practice next week. The team has suffered mightily in his absence, ranking last in the Western Conference with a 5-25 record.

In addition to Williamson, New Orleans has had a slew of players miss significant time due to injuries this season. Star forward Brandon Ingram and star guards Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum have all been in and out of the lineup during the team's disastrous campaign. Most recently, swingman Trey Murphy III suffered a left ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Denver Nuggets.

The Pelicans will be looking to end a seven-game losing streak when they take on the Houston Rockets (20-9) on Thursday.