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.

The Pelicans won the lottery in 2012 and 2019, drafting Anthony Davis 13 years ago and Zion Williamson in 2019.

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.