The New Orleans Pelicans are not having a great season by any definition. Zion Williamson was supposed to be their saving grace. Especially when they’re up against a team like the Detroit Pistons, who went from bottom of the barrel to having the most cinematic turnarounds in NBA history in less than two years. The matchup between the underdogs was at a fever pitch in New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center. And then Zion Williamson disappeared off the floor.

He abruptly left the floor during the third quarter. He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. Without him, the Pelicans are falling behind 96-103.

There was no injury or in-game incident. Williamson is suffering from an unspecified illness.

The Pelicans’ injury report listed him as questionable before the game with an illness. He was disoriented and staggering for most of the game. He tallied only four points and four rebounds in less than 15 minutes of action.

Clearly, his condition was limiting him. After his exit, some fans were irate with the team for letting him play in that state.

Without Zion at full strength, the outcome was as expected. The Pelicans lost 104-112 to the Pistons. The next course of action is to wait for an update on the 25-year-old.

Zion Williamson’s latest exit fuels trade buzz

Sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 10-36 record (after tonight’s loss), the Pelicans are desperate for a turnaround. And a complete rebuild might just be it. With the NBA trade deadline approaching, almost every player on the roster appears available for trade.

Until a couple of seasons ago, there was the assumption that any rebuild would be centered around Zion Williamson. Through 29 appearances in the 2025-26 season, he has averaged 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 58.5% from the field and 71.0% from the free-throw line, proving when he’s fit, he’s one of the most impactful players in the NBA.  Now if rumors are to be believed, maybe even Williamson is not free from a trade.

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His health has been his biggest Achilles heel in what should be a superstar career. He has struggled to stay on the floor throughout his career in New Orleans. Every time the forward leaves a game or is on the injury report, it chips away the Pelicans’ motivation to keep him.

Tonight proved once again that Zion’s availability can change at any time. Even though fans are blaming the team for letting him play while he’s sick.

However, by now the Pelicans have had more experience playing without Williamson. Tonight’s exit is further fueling the trade speculation. Fans are also starting to lean into the narrative by former NBA players that Zion needs to go to a franchise who’d take better care of him.