Report: Zion, family members unhappy with Pelicans

There appears to be trouble brewing in the Big Easy.

Zion Williamson is questioning his relationship with the New Orleans Pelicans because the organization hasn't made him and his family happy, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, and William Guillory.

Some family members reportedly want the 2019 No. 1 pick to be on another team, adding that there's been internal dysfunction within the club for months.

The Williamsons reportedly found former Pelicans head coach Stan Van Gundy too rigid and demanding. Their "thinly veiled unhappiness" toward the franchise began before the 2020-21 campaign, according to The Athletic.

The trading of veteran guard JJ Redick is said to have irritated Williamson, according to Charania, Vardon, and Guillory. The sharpshooter developed a bond with the rising star over parts of two seasons in New Orleans, and Redick called out Pelicans executive David Griffin on his podcast after being dealt to the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline.

Redick's thoughts reportedly influenced some of Williamson's feelings about the Pelicans' direction.

New Orleans has missed the playoffs in each of Williamson's first two seasons in the Association. The 20-year-old earned his first career All-Star selection in 2020-21, averaging a career-high 27 points, 7.2 boards, and 3.7 assists over 61 appearances.