Williamson represented the Pelicans this year at the NBA Draft Lottery, a move intentionally made to send a message to the league they plan to keep him for the immediate future. Williamson’s name has been specifically tied to a trade rumor involving Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In the second half of this past season, Williamson earned the first two triple-doubles of his career in a two-week span. The 24-year-old said it was the best he’s felt on both sides of the ball in his career. Soon after, the Pelicans shut Williamson down for the season and the team finished the season with a 21-61 mark. The two-time All-Star only played in 30 games after dealing with a hamstring injury.