Joe Dumars feels no pressure to add picks in the Zion Williamson trade

The NBA trade deadline creates urgency for teams in several unique ways, and this season presents a stark contrast between two All-Stars supposedly on the block. New Orleans Pelicans by Zion Williamson and Tree Young’s upset Atlanta Hawks deal with two drastically different trade market equations. While Young’s name has dominated trade speculation with multiple teams reportedly involved in serious discussions, Williamson’s situation remains quiet as Joe Dumars seems perfectly content to wait things out.

For Atlanta, the urgency is a 50-50 split between financial and competitive reasons. The Hawks are in a classic “win now or rebuild” relationship, which has created a palpable urgency to move your All-Star guard. Young has $45.99 million this season and jumps to $48.9 million next year. That number alone narrows the pool of realistic suitors, especially among teams trying to stay under the luxury tax or first apron.

Any acquiring team must not only absorb that salary, but also factor in the possibility that Young could opt out this summer, turning a blockbuster trade into a four-month rental. The former All-Star is reportedly seeking a near-max deal worth between $50-60 million per year over four years. That’s why the Hawks were reportedly willing to trade a first-round pick with Young for a veteran like CJ McCollum.

In contrast, Zion Williamson’s contract offers the Pelicans much more stability and control. The 25-year-old is locked into two additional seasons beyond the current one, with a cap hit of $39.4 million this year, $42.1 million in 2026-27, and $44.9 million in 2027-28. Although the contract includes clauses that allow the Pelicans to void non-guaranteed portions if he doesn’t meet certain weight and game standards, this actually works to the team’s advantage.

According to a report from The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Williamson’s market “isn’t very loud at this point; it’s quiet.” It matches before reports on the Pelicans from ClutchPoint. But silent does not mean non-existent; it reflects a lack of desperation. They have no incentive to sell the Duke alum low, even with his injury history and fitness questions.

Pelicans, Hawks take a peek at the table

The current standings further highlight the different pressures on each franchise. At the start of January 2026, the Hawks are 17-21, which puts them in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. They are just four games out of fifth place and still have realistic hopes of making the playoffs, either directly or via the Play-In Tournament. This mid-level positioning creates urgency for Atlanta; they neither compete nor compete at an elite level, and Young’s fit alongside emerging talent like Jalen Johnson and Zachary Risacher has been questioned.

On the flip side, the Pelicans are mired in last place in the Western Conference with a dismal 8-29 record, reflecting an injury-plagued season and coaching change.

With no realistic shot at the postseason this year, New Orleans faces little immediate pressure to make a playoff push. Instead, the focus is on a long-term rebuild, and a premature trade for Williamson could undermine that. The team is reportedly hoping he can put together a solid performance to close out the season, potentially increasing his trade value for a summer move.

Ultimately, the lack of pressure in New Orleans comes down to timeline flexibility. The Hawks, who are on the brink of contention and rebuilding, feel compelled to act on Young now to avoid a messy offseason in Atlanta. The Pelicans, already in rebuilding mode, can afford to let Williamson’s situation play out.