Following New Orleans' 21-61 finish during its 2024-25 campaign, executive vice president David Griffin was fired and replaced by Joe Dumars. Dumars confirmed that he didn't have a mandate to move on from Williamson after he was hired.

Pelicans star Zion Williamson was identified as a potential trade target for the Rockets. That’s no longer the case in 2025.

Williamson's appearance for the Pelicans at the lottery was a signal the team is working with its best player as they enter a new phase.