Former Pelicans star DeMarcus Cousins did not hold back when addressing the growing trade rumors surrounding Zion Williamson. Speaking on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back with Chandler Parsons, Cousins described Williamson as a player with immense talent but one who poses significant challenges for the franchise.
With Williamson playing just six games this season and shooting a career-low 45% from the field, Cousins believes the Pelicans may soon part ways with their injury-plagued star. “Zion is—at this point of his career—good enough to get you fired,” Cousins remarked. “If I’m a GM, I’m moving on. I’m making it somebody else’s responsibility.” Despite his criticism, Cousins emphasized his belief in Williamson’s potential, suggesting that a trade could serve as a wake-up call for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Cousins further suggested that Williamson’s long-term success might require a more disciplined environment, pointing to franchises like Miami as ideal destinations. Williamson’s availability—or lack thereof—has been a consistent concern, with the forward playing 60 or more games in a season just twice during his five-year career.
Many, including Cousins, attribute these issues to conditioning. As the Pelicans sit in last place in the Western Conference with a 5-22 record, the prospect of moving Williamson signals a potential rebuild for the struggling team. Reflecting on his own time in New Orleans, Cousins noted the franchise’s history of missed potential, citing injuries as a recurring theme. “I wish him success down the line,” Cousins said. “But it has to click at some point, or they’re going to move on.”
